NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin Wanted After Imo Meth Lab Discovery

(NDLEA. Photo by Guardian Nigeria News)

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has declared an alleged drug kingpin, Nnamuka Uchenna, also known as Odogwu, and three of his associates wanted over their suspected involvement in running a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Imo State and laundering proceeds from illicit drug activities.

The agency named the other suspects as Emmanuella Chinonso Iroka, Nnamuka Ifeanyi Kingsley and Ekechi Franklin Chijioke, also known as Ekene Okwunaga.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspects were declared wanted following an order granted by Justice Iniekenimi Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Owerri, after an application filed by the agency on July 3.

Babafemi explained that the court order followed the discovery of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory at Isiozi in Umuaka, Njaba Local Government Area of Imo State, on February 25, 2026.

He said NDLEA operatives recovered 18.4 kilograms of methamphetamine and other exhibits during the raid, with subsequent investigations linking the four suspects to the illegal facility, who have since gone into hiding.

He further disclosed that forensic investigations into the syndicate led to the freezing of bank accounts linked to the suspects, with a combined balance running into billions of naira.

Babafemi also revealed that the agency had secured interim forfeiture orders on assets allegedly connected to the syndicate, including a filling station, multi-storey residential buildings and four sport utility vehicles.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as evidence of the agency’s determination to dismantle drug trafficking networks and target the financial structures that sustain them.

He said the discovery of the laboratory, the freezing of billions of naira in alleged illicit funds and the seizure of high-value assets reflect the agency’s resolve to ensure drug traffickers no longer find safe havens for laundering proceeds of crime.

Marwa assured Nigerians that the agency would continue deploying financial and forensic intelligence to track down the fleeing suspects and others linked to the syndicate, while appealing to members of the public with useful information on their whereabouts to report to the nearest NDLEA office or through the agency’s confidential communication channels.