NDLEA Dismantles Meth Lab, Arrests Long‑Wanted Drug Kingpin in Imo

NDLEA

NDLEA Dismantles Meth Lab, Arrests Long‑Wanted Drug Kingpin in Imo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine (meth) laboratory in Isiozi Obiato, Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, seizing 18.4 kilograms of meth, precursor chemicals, and production equipment used for illegal drug manufacturing.

The operation, carried out on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, also led to the arrest of Reginald Peter Chidiebere, a notorious drug kingpin who had been hiding for 13 years after jumping bail in a 2013 cocaine trafficking case. NDLEA officials confirmed that Chidiebere was linked to large-scale trafficking of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, and his arrest is a significant blow to organised drug networks in Nigeria.

NDLEA stated that the meth lab discovered in Umuaka was sophisticated, equipped with machinery and chemicals capable of high-volume production. Officers also recovered documentation, mobile phones, and other items used to facilitate drug operations and distribution.

READ ALSO:

Chidiebere’s criminal record spans over a decade. He was first arrested in 2013 for importing cocaine into Nigeria and later granted bail by the Federal High Court in Lagos, but he vanished shortly thereafter. His name resurfaced in February 2024 when linked to the importation of 49.70 kilograms of heroin from South Africa, intercepted at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. A follow-up raid later that month yielded an additional 2.20 kilograms of heroin from one of his associates.

NDLEA further revealed that the agency obtained an interim forfeiture order, freezing Chidiebere’s hotel property and bank accounts tied to his illicit activities. Faced with mounting pressure, Chidiebere surrendered on February 13, 2026, and is now in custody to face both pending charges from 2013 and fresh counts related to the 2024 heroin consignments.

The NDLEA emphasised that the arrest and laboratory dismantling underscore its commitment to eradicating drug trafficking, protecting Nigerian youth, and dismantling organised criminal networks. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), NDLEA Chairman, praised the officers for their professionalism and resilience, vowing that such operations would continue nationwide.

Community leaders in Umuaka applauded the operation, noting that the bust would reduce the circulation of dangerous narcotics and boost public confidence in law enforcement. NDLEA called on citizens to report suspicious drug-related activities and support efforts to combat illegal substances across the country.