NDLEA Seizes Mkpuru Mmiri Supplier, Alleged Drug Baron Arrested

NDLEA Seizes Mkpuru Mmiri Supplier, Alleged Drug Baron Arrested

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a notorious drug baron who was on its wanted list. Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, aged 42, was captured at his mansion in Umuomi village, within the Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community of Ikeduru local government area in Imo State on July 5………. CONTINUE READING

According to Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the agency, Mbonu was arrested alongside his associate in a significant operation targeting a drug cartel responsible for the production and distribution of methamphetamine, commonly referred to as ‘mkpuru mmiri’. The syndicate, operating primarily from Imo and Rivers states, has been implicated in distributing large quantities of methamphetamine across the South East, South-South, and other regions of Nigeria.

During the operation, NDLEA operatives seized substantial evidence, including 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine (a precursor chemical for meth), and a pump-action gun with four cartridges. The arrest followed weeks of surveillance by a special operations unit of the agency, culminating in the raid on Mbonu’s residence where Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, aged 34 and another member of the cartel, was also apprehended.

Additional raids conducted at the homes of Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo States led to the discovery of more illicit drugs and firearms. This included the recovery of processed sodium bicarbonate and other chemicals used in meth production. Authorities have identified two of Mbonu’s mansions in Imo State for potential forfeiture to the federal government.

The successful operation marks a significant blow against drug trafficking networks operating within Nigeria, highlighting the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug-related crimes across the country.