Drug Lord Behind Deadly Methamphetamine Cartel Arrested in Nigeria
In a major breakthrough, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Joachin Mbonu, a notorious drug baron wanted for his involvement in the production and distribution of methamphetamine, also known as "Mkpuru mmiri," in Nigeria.
Mbonu, 42, was arrested on July 5 in his village mansion in Imo State, along with his associate, Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34. The two were caught with large quantities of methamphetamine, its precursor chemicals, and a pump action gun.
According to a statement by the NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Mbonu’s cartel was responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine in the South-East, South-South, and other parts of the country. The cartel had operational bases in Imo and Rivers states.
During the operation, operatives recovered 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, and a pump action gun with four cartridges, among others. The exhibits recovered from Mbonu’s house included 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, 500 grams of sodium bicarbonate, two electronic weighing scales, and a pump action gun with four cartridges.
The NDLEA operatives also raided residences of Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo states, recovering several illicit drugs. Additional exhibits were recovered from another of Mbonu’s hideouts in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, including 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate, 170 grams of plain sodium bicarbonate, and 75 grams of meth.
Mbonu had escaped from South Africa, where he lived for years, and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he came under investigation for drug dealings. Upon his return to Nigeria, he continued the criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shield his nefarious activities.
The NDLEA has marked two of Mbonu’s mansions in Imo State for possible forfeiture to the Federal Government. Mbonu is currently cooling his heels in custody, while his associates are being hunted down.
The arrest of Mbonu and his associates is a significant blow to the methamphetamine cartel and a major victory for the NDLEA in its fight against drug trafficking in Nigeria.