NDLEA Nabs Lagos Spare Parts Dealer for Cocaine Smuggling

By Adenike Lawal

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Levi Chidiebele Ubodoeze, a Lagos-based auto spare parts dealer, for attempting to smuggle two kilograms of cocaine concealed in vehicle propellers to Angola.

Ubodoeze’s arrest on March 9, 2025, followed an intensive investigation that began when NDLEA operatives intercepted the illicit consignment at a logistics company in Aspanda, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, on February 21.

The agency collaborated with Angolan authorities, leading to the arrest of the intended recipient and exposing Ubodoeze as the sender.

NDLEA operatives tracked him to his Ago Palace Way residence in Isolo, where he was caught trying to escape in a KIA SUV.

A search of his vehicle uncovered 75.50 kilograms of phenacetin—a cutting agent for cocaine—and a digital scale.

Further raids across the country led to the seizure of 248 blocks of Ghanaian Loud cannabis in Ojo, over 300,000 opioid pills in Mushin, and a major drug bust in Aba, Abia State, where 442,000 pills of tramadol and codeine syrup were recovered.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug networks, with recent operations yielding significant arrests and seizures in Benue, Edo, Kano, and Osun.