The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major drug cartel operating in southern Nigeria. In a sting operation, NDLEA operatives apprehended the syndicate’s leader, 42-year-old Joachin Mbonu, at his luxurious hideout in Imo State.
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi on Tuesday, the agency had received intel pinpointing Mbonu’s cartel as a significant distributor of methamphetamine, also known as “mkpuru mmiri,” across the South-East, South-South, and other regions.
Following weeks of meticulous surveillance, a special NDLEA unit raided Mbonu’s mansion located in Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru Local Government Area. The raid not only netted Mbonu but also his associate, Chibuike Ofoegbu (34).
A significant amount of evidence was seized during the operation, including:
- Methamphetamine: 419.99 grams
- Methamphetamine Precursor Chemicals:
- Iodine: 750 grams
- Sodium Bicarbonate: 500 grams (processed and plain)
- Weapons:
- Pump action shotgun with cartridges (recovered from both Mbonu’s mansion and an associate’s residence)
The agency further uncovered a secondary hideout linked to Mbonu at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers State. This location yielded an additional 775 grams of processed and plain sodium bicarbonate, along with 75 grams of methamphetamine.
Authorities are currently searching for another associate of Mbonu, Odoemenam Chinedu, whose residence in Njaba LGA, Imo, also contained a pump action shotgun and ammunition.
The NDLEA has initiated forfeiture proceedings on two of Mbonu’s mansions in Imo State. Investigations revealed Mbonu fled South Africa, where he honed his meth-making skills under the threat of drug trafficking charges. Upon returning to Nigeria, he established clandestine labs in remote villages to evade detection.
This successful operation by the NDLEA deals a significant blow to the illegal drug trade in southern Nigeria. The agency’s vigilance and proactive approach offer a glimmer of hope in the fight against the proliferation of dangerous substances like methamphetamine.
