The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled two major cocaine cartels behind six UK-bound shipments, arresting the alleged mastermind, Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, and five other suspects.
The operation, which lasted over three weeks across Lagos State, was intelligence-led and resulted in the seizure of 20.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in walls of stainless cups, body cream, and hair gel containers.
The NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted 174 parcels of cocaine weighing 13.4 kilograms concealed in cocoa butter body cream containers on September 16, 2025. Further investigations led to the arrest of Alhaji Hammed Taofeek Ode, who claimed to be a businessman and estate developer. He admitted ownership of the seized drugs, stating he purchased them for over ₦150 million.
Alhaji Hammed Ode had lived in several European countries, including the United Kingdom, Austria, France, and Germany. He reportedly had a dispute with someone, which led to his arrest after the agency sought the cooperation of the police. “We’ll continue to target and dismantle every identified drug cartel at every level of their operations; from the mules to the dealers in between and up to their leadership,” the NDLEA Chairman said.
The agency also foiled several attempts by another criminal group to export cocaine consignments to the UK, seizing 2.10kg of cocaine concealed in hair cream containers. Other suspects arrested include Smith David Korede, Ogunbiyi Oluseye Taiwo, and Popoola Francis Olumuyiwa, who were linked to the seizures.
In addition to the cocaine seizures, the NDLEA destroyed 24,897 kilograms of cannabis in forest raids in Edo and Osun States. The agency has reiterated its commitment to targeting and dismantling every identified drug cartel, emphasizing that every arrest, seizure, and forfeited asset represents innocent lives saved and communities protected.
The NDLEA’s efforts have led to several notable arrests, including John Igbe, a notorious drug dealer, who was arrested with 550 grams of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis. The agency remains committed to eliminating the threat posed by substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.
