The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) is on the hunt for Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade, a couple allegedly orchestrating a cocaine cartel from India. Following the arrest of four syndicate members in Lagos, including Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan, who were apprehended attempting to export 3.40kg of cocaine, NDLEA has intensified efforts to dismantle the network.
During investigations, it was revealed that Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade, based in India under the alias Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun, is the alleged mastermind behind the cartel. Hamed Abimbola Saheed, a close associate of Owoalade, was also arrested, leading to the seizure of 900 grams of phenacetine, a cocaine cutting agent.
Further raids at the Owoalade couple’s residence in Lagos resulted in the recovery of an additional 400 grams of cocaine, along with incriminating evidence of drug trafficking activities. Additionally, NDLEA intercepted parcels containing cocaine bound for China and amphetamine concealed in vape pens en route to the UK.
In separate operations across Nigeria, NDLEA operatives seized large quantities of drugs and arrested numerous suspects. Notably, a significant drug haul was intercepted in Yobe State, hidden in a petrol tanker destined for Maiduguri, Borno State.
Furthermore, NDLEA’s crackdown extended to the apprehension of individuals involved in the possession and distribution of illicit substances, including cannabis and opioids, in various states such as Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Kwara, Niger, and Edo.
The relentless pursuit of drug traffickers and syndicates underscores NDLEA’s commitment to combating drug-related crimes and safeguarding communities against the detrimental effects of narcotics.
