Major Drug Kingpin 'Mezico' Captured by NDLEA in Bayelsa After Two-Year Manhunt
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Bayelsa State Command has executed a significant operation resulting in the arrest of a notorious illicit drug distributor, marking a critical victory in the state's anti-narcotics campaign. The suspect, identified as Chimezie Collins, widely known by his alias Mezico, was apprehended in Yenagoa, the capital of Bayelsa State.
Details of the Arrest and Seizure
Collins, who operates MEZICO Pharmacy along the Mbiam-Yenagoa road in Kpansia, was taken into custody following a meticulous surveillance operation. During the arrest, NDLEA officers confiscated a substantial cache of illegal drugs from his possession. The recovered items include:
- 1,030 tablets and caplets of various controlled and hard drugs, such as Tramadol 200mg, Tramadol 100mg, Swinol/Rophnol, Diazepam, and Molly, a designer drug.
- 150 bottles of Diazepam and pentazocine injection.
- 77 bottles of codeine.
The total weight of the seized substances amounts to 12.461 kilograms, with an estimated market value of approximately N3 million. This haul underscores the scale of Collins's alleged involvement in the drug trade.
Background and Official Statements
According to the Public Relations Officer of the NDLEA Bayelsa Command, SN Daniel Obah, the arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Thursday, April 2, 2026. Obah described Collins as an unrepentant and notorious distributor of controlled and hard drugs, who had been on the command's watchlist for nearly two years prior to his capture.
The State Commander of NDLEA in Bayelsa, Kanu Sunny Chukwuemeka, praised the officers for their high level of professionalism in tracking and apprehending the suspect. He attributed this success to the visionary leadership of the agency's Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa, emphasizing the effectiveness of an intelligence-led framework in combating drug abuse and trafficking.
Commander Kanu also extended gratitude to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his unwavering support to the command's efforts aimed at reducing both the supply and demand for drugs across the state. In a stern warning, Kanu urged other drug dealers and traffickers to desist from their illicit activities or face the full consequences of the law.
Implications for Drug Enforcement in Bayelsa
This arrest highlights the NDLEA's ongoing commitment to dismantling drug networks in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Bayelsa where such activities pose significant public health and security risks. The operation not only removes a key player from the illicit drug market but also serves as a deterrent to others involved in similar crimes.
The successful capture of Chimezie Collins, alias Mezico, demonstrates the importance of sustained intelligence and collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and state governments in the fight against narcotics. As the NDLEA continues its crackdown, this case is expected to bolster future initiatives to curb drug trafficking and abuse nationwide.
