NDLEA Busts N2 Billion Meth Empire Hidden in Auto Parts from Canada

By Achimi Muktar

In a daring and meticulously executed operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted methamphetamine worth over N2 billion cleverly concealed in auto parts shipped from Canada.

The massive drug bust involved two consignments weighing a total of 83.301 kilograms, discovered in separate containers of automobile spare parts headed for warehouses in the bustling Ladipo automobile parts market in Mushin, Lagos.

Inside the Operation

According to a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the first major breakthrough occurred on December 12 at the Sifax bonded terminal. During the inspection, officers uncovered 5.001 kilograms of methamphetamine cleverly wrapped in a bag and bed sheet inside a Toyota Camry. The seizure led to the immediate arrest of businessman Isaac Onwumere, who was linked to the consignment.

A day later, another container headed for Ladipo market was examined. This shipment revealed a shocking discovery:

1,735 parcels of “Loud” cannabis packed into 44 jumbo bags, weighing 867.5 kilograms.

87 packs of methamphetamine weighing 78.3 kilograms, hidden in six plastic coolers.

Street Value and Arrests

The combined street value of the seizures is staggering.

The methamphetamine shipments, weighing 83.301 kilograms, are valued at N124.95 million.

The Loud cannabis, weighing 867.5 kilograms, has a street value of over N2.168 billion.

Two additional businessmen, Nwanolue Emeka and Friday Ogbe, were arrested in connection with the second container.

Months of Intelligence and Tracking

NDLEA officials revealed that the successful interception was the result of months of painstaking intelligence gathering and tracking. The first shipment came under surveillance as early as October 4, 2024, when preparations for its shipment began in Toronto, Canada.

The agency tracked its journey from Toronto to Montreal, Canada, and later to Lagos, monitoring every step until the shipment was busted. Similarly, the second consignment underwent close surveillance, beginning on October 8, 2024, before its arrival in Lagos via Europe.

Collaborative Effort

The seizures were made possible through joint operations involving Customs and other port stakeholders. NDLEA’s Special Operations Units and the Tincan Port Strategic Command worked tirelessly to ensure the consignments never made it to their intended destinations.

Message from NDLEA

Babafemi reiterated the agency's commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, emphasizing that this seizure underscores the sophistication and dedication of the NDLEA in protecting Nigerian communities from illicit drugs.

What’s Next?

The arrested individuals are expected to face prosecution under Nigerian drug trafficking laws. Meanwhile, the NDLEA continues to warn against the use of commercial supply chains for drug smuggling, vowing to intensify surveillance and crackdowns across ports nationwide.

This historic operation not only disrupts a massive drug trafficking syndicate but also serves as a warning to others attempting to exploit Nigeria’s borders for illegal trade.