Wanted Drug Baron Arrested in Imo State

A major breakthrough has been achieved in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria, as a notorious drug baron, Joachin Mbonu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Mbonu, who has been on the wanted list of the agency, was apprehended on July 5, 2024, in his village mansion in Imo State.

According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Mbonu was arrested along with his associate, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, and is believed to be the leader of a drug cartel responsible for the production and distribution of methamphetamine, a deadly psychoactive substance commonly known as ‘Mkpuru mmiri’.

The cartel, which has operational bases in Imo and Rivers states, has been under surveillance by the NDLEA for weeks, following intelligence indicating its involvement in the distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine in the South-East, South-South, and other parts of the country.

During the operation, operatives recovered a significant quantity of methamphetamine, as well as precursor chemicals and a pump action gun with cartridges. The agency also raided residences of Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo states, recovering additional illicit drugs and weapons.

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Mbonu’s arrest is a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria, as he is believed to have escaped from South Africa, where he was under investigation for drug dealings. He had mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine during his time in South Africa and continued his criminal activities upon his return to Nigeria, setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to evade detection.

The NDLEA has marked two of Mbonu’s mansions in Imo State for possible forfeiture to the Federal Government, and he is currently in custody, facing charges related to drug trafficking.

This arrest is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the NDLEA operatives and their commitment to ridding Nigeria of the scourge of drug trafficking. It is a warning to other drug barons and cartels that they will be brought to justice, and their criminal activities will not be tolerated in Nigeria.