The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an international drug cartel with operations spanning Nigeria, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The breakthrough came after officers at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted a shipment of 16 blocks of cocaine hidden inside textile materials, valued at over ₦5.3 billion (about AU$5.3 million).
The operation began on August 26, 2025, leading to the arrest of freight agent Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, who was caught trying to process the illicit cargo.
Further investigations led to the capture of two other kingpins in Lagos, Muaezee Ademola Ogunbiyi and Shola Adegoke. Ogunbiyi’s home was searched, revealing large quantities of cannabis and a pump-action rifle, while Adegoke was found with cannabis at a packaging hub in Ikeja. Both had previous convictions in the UK for drug-related offenses.
The cartel’s overall leader, Adebisi Ademola Omoyele, known as “Mr. Bee,” is currently believed to be in Dubai coordinating international logistics and finances.
In related operations across Nigeria, NDLEA also seized large quantities of codeine syrup, cannabis, synthetic cannabis strains, and tramadol pills, arresting numerous suspects in different states.
NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd) commended the operatives for their successful crackdown and urged continued vigilance in combating drug trafficking.
