In a significant victory against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major drug cartel responsible for producing and distributing methamphetamine, known locally as ‘mkpuru mmiri.’ The operation led to the arrest of the syndicate’s leader, 42-year-old Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, and his associate, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, in a raid on Mbonu’s mansion in the Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru LGA of Imo State.
In a statement from NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, Director of Media & Advocacy Femi Babafemi revealed that the cartel, with operational bases in Imo and Rivers states, had been under surveillance following intelligence reports of its significant methamphetamine distribution in the South East, South South, and other regions.
The special operations unit of the NDLEA, after weeks of surveillance, apprehended Mbonu and Ofoegbu on Friday, July 5, 2024. The raid resulted in the seizure of 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate, two electronic weighing scales, a pump-action gun, and four cartridges.
Further operations at Mbonu’s hideout at 11 Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yielded 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate, 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate, and 75 grams of meth. Another raid at the home of Mbonu’s associate, Odoemenam Pedro Chinedu, in Njaba LGA, Imo State, uncovered another pump-action gun with 25 cartridges.
Mbonu, who fled South Africa after coming under investigation for drug activities, set up clandestine meth labs in remote Nigerian villages upon his return. His arrest marks a significant step in NDLEA’s efforts to curb methamphetamine production and distribution.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the officers involved, emphasizing that the operation’s success sends a clear message to other drug cartels that there is no safe haven in Nigeria. Two of Mbonu’s mansions in Imo State have been marked for potential forfeiture to the federal government as the investigation continues.
