NDLEA Nabs Suspected International Drug Baron, Seizes Consignment Of Substance

By Ayodele Oni

A suspected drug baron, Charles Chinedu Ezeh, who fled United Kingdom over illicit drugs allegations has been arrested by men of the National drugs Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA).

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman in a statement on Sunday  explained that Ezeh was arrested at Sotel Suites, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos on Thursday 18th May.

According to him, “Ezeh claims he’s a businessman and deals in articles in Onitsha, Anambra State, but investigations reveal he lived with his wife and children in London until 10th December 2022, when he fled to Nigeria after his involvement in a drug related offence in the UK.”

He disclosed that NDLEA operatives also intercepted a large consignment of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers as part of a consolidated cargo going to London, United Kingdom at the SAHCO export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos.

“The illicit drug consignment weighing 30.10 kilograms with a street value of N567million was detected and seized by NDLEA operatives at the airport on Tuesday 16th May, 2023.

“This was swiftly followed by series of follow-up operations that led to the arrest of a freight agent, Nwobodo Chidiebere; a female suspect, Chioma Lucy Akuta and ultimately the drug lord behind the shipment, Charles Chinedu Ezeh, who was arrested at Sotel Suites, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos on Thursday 18th May.

“Though he claimed to have been living in hotels since his return to Nigeria last December, operatives were however able to locate his mansion at No. 1 Hawawu Abikan Street, Lekki, on Friday 19th May, where a search was conducted and his travel and property documents among others were recovered.”