The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has declared Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade wanted for operating a cocaine cartel from India. The announcement follows the arrest of four syndicate members in Lagos, the recovery of a Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), and the sealing of two houses linked to the couple for forfeiture to the Federal Government.
Why It Matters
The operation highlights the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to dismantle sophisticated drug trafficking networks within Nigeria. The involvement of international elements underscores the complexity and reach of the drug trade, posing significant challenges to national security and public health. The successful apprehension of syndicate members and the seizure of drug-related assets send a strong message about the NDLEA’s commitment to curbing drug trafficking.
What They Are Saying
In a statement signed by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on its website, the agency detailed the operation and its outcomes. “A couple, Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade (alias Abdul Qassim Adisa Balogun) and Rashidat Ayinke Owoalade (alias Bolarinwa Rashidat Ayinke), who run a cocaine cartel from India, have been declared wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency following the arrest of four members of the syndicate in Lagos,” the statement read.
Two syndicate members, Imran Taofeek Olalekan and Ishola Isiaka Olalekan, were arrested on April 3, 2024, while attempting to export 3.40kg of cocaine to Oman via Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. “Imran was the courier, and Ishola recruited him for the cartel’s head, Alhaji Kazeem Omogoriola Owoalade,” the statement added.
Further operations led to the arrest of Hamed Abimbola Saheed, another syndicate member, in the Abule Egba area of Lagos on May 14. A search of Hamed’s house revealed 900 grams of phenacetine, a cutting agent for cocaine. His confession led to a raid at the Owoalade couple’s residence, resulting in another arrest and the seizure of a new model Toyota RAV4 SUV and 400 grams of cocaine.
The NDLEA also intercepted parcels containing cocaine and amphetamine at a courier firm in Lagos on May 15 and foiled an attempt to export 3.6kg of cannabis to Dubai in Port Harcourt on May 16. The consignment owner, Emeka Nwadiaro, was arrested in Onitsha, Anambra State, on the same day.
Bottom Line
The NDLEA’s recent crackdown on the cocaine cartel underscores the agency’s dedication to fighting drug trafficking. By dismantling this network and seizing significant quantities of illicit substances, the NDLEA is making strides in safeguarding public health and security. The ongoing operations and arrests serve as a deterrent to drug traffickers and reaffirm the agency’s resolve to combat drug-related crimes in Nigeria.
