The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, a businessman who deals in clothing at the popular Balogun market in Lagos, and his drug trafficking allies while attempting to export 3.30 kilograms of cocaine to the United Kingdom.

The NDLEA announced the arrest of Mr Chinedu and members of his cartel in a statement on Sunday.

According to the NDLEA, the drugs were concealed in the walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs.

“Chinedu, 55, from Anambra State, was arrested on Thursday, 23rd July 2026 following the interception of his cocaine consignment at the export shed of the Lagos airport the previous day, Wednesday 22nd July by NDLEA operatives,” the NDLEA said.

The NDLEA stated that during the investigation, its officials arrested three cargo agents who handled the shipment: Nkwor Onyekachukwu Justina; Adeleke Abiola Taoheed; and Ukanwa Grace Pilgrim.

The arrest led operatives to Kenneth Okakpu, who delivered the consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.

According to the NDLEA, Mr Okakpu’s arrest provided the lead to identifying Mr Chinedu as the kingpin behind the syndicate and led to his eventual arrest while attempting to send another cocaine consignment to the UK.