LAGOS, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a major blow to a transnational drug syndicate, announcing the dismantling of an opioids cartel in Lagos and the recovery of illicit substances valued at over N6.7 billion ($7.7 million USD, based on current street value). The operation led to the arrest of drug baron Onyekachi Pius Nwanagu and five members of his gang.
The massive haul, including more than 7.2 million pills of Tramadol 225mg and 526,200 bottles of codeine syrup, was recovered from a secret warehouse located within a residential compound in the Bucknor, Isheri area of Isolo, Lagos state.
NDLEA officials, acting on credible intelligence, executed a coordinated operation between Wednesday, Nov. 19, and Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, ahead of the busy Christmas festive season when the cartel was reportedly planning mass distribution.
The operation commenced with the arrest of two cartel members, Egbo Innocent Udalor and Chukwe Emmanuel, who were apprehended near Apple Junction, Festac, while allegedly transporting 300 cartons of opioids in a truck.
A follow-up operation the next day targeted the main warehouse on Sunny Billa East Street, Bucknor. There, operatives arrested the suspected baron, Onyekachi Nwanagu, along with syndicate members Nwoye Sunday Ali, Nnacho Ogochukwu, and Oraghalia Chukwuebuka Philip.
In total, agents recovered 7,272,000 pills of Tramadol 225mg valued at N3.96 billion and 53 million milliliters of codeine syrup worth over N2.76 billion. The combined street value of the seizure is estimated at N6,722,550,000. The drugs were subsequently moved out of the residential estate in eleven trucks and secured at the NDLEA’s central exhibit complex.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired), commended the officers of the Special Operations Unit and Strike Force for their professionalism, calling the operation a major victory against organizations targeting Nigerian youth.
“This is not just an arrest; it is a clear and unambiguous statement,” Marwa said. “The seizure of this colossal volume of illicit drugs, which could have fueled addiction, crime, and insecurity across our nation, represents a victory for the Nigerian people and a confirmation of our unwavering commitment to the mandate given to us by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Marwa issued a strong warning to drug traffickers, emphasizing the agency’s focus on the kingpins.
“The days when drug barons thought they were untouchable are over. The arrest of this drug baron and his criminal cohorts, following an intensive intelligence operation, serves as a stark reminder that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with every merchant of death, no matter how high or deeply concealed they think they are,” Marwa warned. “This is a clear statement you’re no longer untouchable, we’ll smoke you out of your hiding.”
