NDLEA Nabs Wanted Spare Parts Dealer For Attempted Cocaine Smuggling

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Lagos-based auto spare parts dealer, Levi Ubodoeze, for allegedly attempting to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine hidden inside vehicle propellers to Angola.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, crediting the successful operation to intelligence sharing between Nigerian and Angolan authorities.
Ubodoeze had been on the run for nearly three weeks before NDLEA operatives tracked him to his residence on Ago Palace Way, Isolo, Lagos. He was caught inside a KIA SUV while attempting to escape.
His arrest followed the interception of a cocaine consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, on February 21, 2025. The Angolan authorities, acting on intelligence, arrested the intended recipient, which led to the identification of Ubodoeze as the sender.
During a search of his residence, NDLEA operatives discovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin—commonly used as a cocaine cutting agent—packaged and labeled as semolina. A digital scale used for measuring illicit substances was also recovered.
Ubodoeze admitted to his involvement in drug trafficking while operating his spare parts business at Ladipo Market, Mushin, Lagos. He revealed that his contact in Angola had warned him about the bust, prompting his hasty attempt to flee before NDLEA agents caught him.
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers intercepted a commercial truck in the Ojo area of Lagos on March 7. The truck was concealing 248 compressed blocks of Ghanaian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, weighing 128 kilograms. Two suspects, China Michael and Igbo Ekene, were arrested.
Additionally, three other suspects—Osinachi Nwachukwu, Tochukwu Okafor Christian, and John Ugochukwu Mbakwe—were apprehended at Mosalasi Junction, Mushin, with 301,600 pills of tramadol and other opioids.
In Kano State, a 65-year-old suspect, Yahaya Haruna, was caught with 19.2 kilograms of skunk, while another suspect, Musa Bello, 60, was arrested with 212 bottles of codeine-based syrup.
The NDLEA remains committed to dismantling drug smuggling networks and ensuring that traffickers face justice. The agency has intensified efforts to track down individuals involved in illicit drug trade, both locally and internationally.