The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a wanted drug kingpin, Yussuf Azeez, and uncovered a large synthetic drug production facility reportedly operated by him in the Lekki area of Lagos.
Azeez, 40, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Thursday, November 6, 2025, as he attempted to board a flight to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said on Sunday that the suspect had previously been arrested for trafficking offences in the United Kingdom but fled to Nigeria after jumping bail.
According to Babafemi, after returning to the country, Azeez allegedly established a concealed laboratory in Ogombo, Lekki, where he produced “Colorado,” a highly potent synthetic strain of cannabis.
He explained that NDLEA operatives who had been monitoring the facility moved in after Azeez’s arrest and dismantled equipment, seized production chemicals, and recovered about 148 kilograms of the illicit substance.
A second suspect, identified as Abideen Kekere-Ekun, was also taken into custody at the scene.
In a related development, NDLEA officers working alongside Customs personnel intercepted a shipment containing Molly, methamphetamine, and other psychoactive drugs during an operation at a bonded terminal in Lagos.
The agency also made several arrests across different states as it intensified operations targeting cartel networks, transporters, and local distributors.
Seizures included large quantities of tramadol, cannabis, and other controlled substances, while both young and elderly individuals were among those apprehended.
Babafemi noted that the involvement of older adults in trafficking trends highlights the evolving tactics of drug networks seeking to evade detection.
“A 73-year-old grandpa and a 70-year-old grandma were among those arrested. This shows that drug cartels now recruit individuals across different age brackets,” he said.
He added that the agency remains committed to curbing the spread of synthetic and high-potency narcotics.
“This coordinated operation sends a clear message: no matter how long suspects run or how sophisticated their operations may become, the NDLEA will locate, arrest, and prosecute them,” he said.
