NDLEA arrests wanted drug lord in Imo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two members of a drug cartel behind the production and distribution of the deadly psychoactive substance, methamphetamine, popularly called “mkpuru mmiri” in Imo State.

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said a 42-year-old syndicate leader, Joachin Mbonu, and his associates were arrested at their house located in Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru local government area of ​​the state.

He said the cartel, which has its headquarters in Imo and Rivers States, was targeted by authorities after receiving intelligence information about the circulation of large quantities of crystal methamphetamine in the Southeast, South and other regions of the country.

The spokesman said: “After weeks of surveillance, operatives from the agency’s special operations unit on Friday tracked and traced the drug lord to his mansion in a village in Imo state.

“The suspect was arrested along with a member of his cartel, Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, with a quantity of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, a pump-action gun and ammunition seized.

“Evidence secured from the house included: 419.99 grams of methamphetamine; 750 grams of iodine, a precursor chemical for methamphetamine; and 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate.

“The others were precursor chemicals for methamphetamine; two electronic scales and a pump gun with four cartridges.”

Babafemi said officers moved swiftly to another of Mbonu’s hideouts located at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers.

ALSO READ: NDLEA arrests 65-year-old man involved in drug trafficking in Sokoto

He said additional evidence in the form of 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate, 170 grams of regular sodium bicarbonate, and 75 grams of crystal methamphetamine was found in the building.

“Another raid on the house of one of Mbonu’s associates, Odoemenam Chinedu, who is currently at large, in Njaba LGA, Imo, resulted in the recovery of another pump-action gun loaded with 25 bullets, among other items.

“While the drug lord relaxes in custody, his two mansions in Imo state have been marked for possible seizure by the Federal Government.

“Mbonu had fled South Africa where he had lived for years and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he was investigated for drug trafficking.

“Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued his criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shelter his nefarious activities,” he added.

The post NDLEA arrests wanted drug lord in Imo appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.