NDLEA Nabs Notorious Drug Baron After 17 years in hiding
Oru Leonard
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has just made a major breakthrough in their fight against international drug trafficking. After 17 years of hiding, Ogbonnaya Kevin Jeff, a 59-year-old notorious drug baron, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives in Lagos.
Ogbonnaya, a leader of an international drug trafficking organization, had been on the run since 2008, after serving a one-year prison sentence in South Korea. Despite his international notoriety, he continued to orchestrate drug trafficking operations from Nigeria, using young Nigerians as couriers to smuggle illicit substances into South Korea.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), revealed that Ogbonnaya’s arrest was made possible by an Interpol red notice and information from the National Intelligence Service of South Korea. The agency had been investigating Ogbonnaya for some time, gathering comprehensive intelligence on his activities.
During the arrest, NDLEA operatives found multiple Nigerian international passports belonging to different individuals, many of which contained Korean visas. They also recovered illicit substances in a storehouse at the back of Ogbonnaya’s house.
Ogbonnaya’s illicit trade activities were extensive, with evidence showing that he had sent illicit drugs worth over N1.4 billion in street value to South Korea. He was also found to have laundered drug proceeds through the importation of electronics and other goods.
The NDLEA has assured that it will continue to work with international partners to ensure that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels. Ogbonnaya’s arrest is a significant milestone in this effort, and the agency is committed to dismantling drug trafficking syndicates operating within the country.
