In a significant blow to drug trafficking networks, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a major drug baron and dismantled a syndicate, leading to the seizure of a massive 1,762.8 kilograms of cannabis.
Hotel Raid Leads to Major Arrest
Operatives from the agency's Special Operations Unit successfully arrested a wanted drug kingpin, Frank Chijioke Ibemesi, who was operating under the cover of a businessman and hotelier. Known by the alias Chisco Bee, the 42-year-old Managing Director of Franc CJ Ibemesi Nig. Ltd. was captured in the early hours of Saturday, November 25, 2025.
The arrest took place at his establishment, the Daisy Garden Hotel in Isolo, Lagos, following weeks of meticulous intelligence gathering and surveillance on his activities.
Massive Drug Haul Uncovered
After his arrest, Ibemesi was taken to a nearby warehouse, also located in Isolo. There, NDLEA operatives made a staggering discovery. They recovered 42 jumbo bags and four cartons of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. The total weight of the illicit substance was confirmed to be 1,762.8 kilogrammes.
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a significant amount of money in various currencies was also confiscated from Ibemesi at the point of his arrest.
Separate Syndicate Busted in Osun
In a parallel operation, the NDLEA intercepted a drug syndicate that was attempting to distribute large quantities of processed skunk, another strain of cannabis, in Osun State. This operation came after several days of surveillance conducted in a forest area.
The agency seized two trucks that were being used to transport the illegal consignments. Seven suspects were arrested in connection with this operation. They have been identified as:
- Lucky Abiodun
- Julius Amos
- Victor Ngbikili
- Sunday Oduegwu
- Ibrahim Akanni
- Eze Godstime
- Fred Ifeanyichukwu
These coordinated operations, which spanned multiple states, led to the recovery of substantial drug quantities and the arrest of numerous suspects involved in trafficking.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the officers and men from various commands for their successful efforts. He encouraged them to persist with the agency's ongoing balanced approach to drug control, which combines enforcement with prevention and treatment initiatives.
