ICYMI: Nigerian Drug Lord Escapes South Africa, Captured in Imo Mansion

A drug kingpin wanted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), identified as Joachin Mbonu, has been apprehended. Mbonu was captured by NDLEA operatives at his mansion in Imo State on July 5 along with his associate.

According to a statement released on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, Mbonu is linked to a drug cartel involved in the production of methamphetamine, locally known as ‘Mkpuru mmiri’. The cartel, with bases in Imo and Rivers states, was targeted by NDLEA following intelligence indicating its extensive distribution network of methamphetamine across the South-East, South-South, and other regions of Nigeria.

During the operation, NDLEA operatives seized 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, and a pump action gun with four cartridges, among other items. The raid extended to residences linked to Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo states, resulting in the recovery of additional illicit drugs.

Babafemi highlighted that Mbonu had fled South Africa, where he had resided for years and had become adept at methamphetamine production. Upon returning to Nigeria, he allegedly continued his illegal activities by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to manufacture the illicit substance.