In a sweeping crackdown, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a major drug cartel responsible for the production and distribution of methamphetamine, known locally as ‘mkpuru mmiri’.
The high-stakes operation resulted in the arrest of the cartel's leader, 42-year-old Chikaodi Mbonu, and his associate, 34-year-old Chibuike Ofoegbu, at a luxurious mansion in Umuomi village, Ikeduru LGA, Imo State.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that the cartel, operating out of bases in Imo and Rivers states, had been under close surveillance. Intelligence reports highlighted its critical role in meth distribution across the South East, South South, and other Nigerian regions.
After weeks of meticulous monitoring, NDLEA’s special operations unit cornered Mbonu in his village mansion last Friday. The raid uncovered significant quantities of methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, and weapons, including 419.99 grams of meth, 750 grams of iodine, 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate, two electronic weighing scales, and a pump-action gun with four cartridges.
A follow-up operation at another of Mbonu’s hideouts on Redemption Avenue, Port Harcourt, yielded additional seizures: 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate, 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate, and 75 grams of meth. Another raid at the residence of Mbonu’s associate, Odoemenam Chinedu, now at large, in Njaba LGA, Imo State, resulted in the seizure of another pump-action gun with 25 cartridges and other items.
“While the kingpin is now in custody, two of his mansions in Imo State have been marked for possible forfeiture to the federal government,” Babafemi stated.
Mbonu, who previously fled South Africa amid drug dealing investigations, had perfected meth production techniques and continued his illicit operations by establishing clandestine labs in remote Nigerian villages upon his return.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd) lauded the officers involved, emphasizing that this comprehensive operation serves as a stern warning to other drug cartels: there is no hiding place in Nigeria.
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