Crime

NDLEA Arrests Notorious Drug Baron Joachin Mbonu in Imo State Mansion

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 10, 2024

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In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Joachin Chikaodi Mbonu, a notorious drug baron wanted for his involvement in a methamphetamine cartel. The arrest took place at Mbonu’s expansive mansion located in Umuomi village, Uzogba-Ezenomi autonomous community, Ikeduru Local Government Area of Imo State.

Mbonu, aged 42, had been on the NDLEA’s radar for orchestrating the production and distribution of methamphetamine, a highly addictive and illegal substance commonly known as ‘Mkpuru mmiri’. His cartel, with operational bases in Imo and Rivers states, had been a prime target of the agency due to its extensive distribution network spanning the South-East, South-South, and other regions of Nigeria.

The operation, conducted by a special operations unit of the NDLEA on July 5, 2024, also led to the arrest of Kenneth Chibuike Ofoegbu, 34, an associate of Mbonu. The raid on Mbonu’s mansion yielded substantial evidence, including 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine (a precursor chemical for meth), and a pump-action gun with four cartridges.

Further investigations and subsequent raids on residences linked to Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo states uncovered additional illicit drugs and materials essential for methamphetamine production. This included 750 grams of processed sodium bicarbonate and other precursor chemicals.

Joachin Mbonu, known to have evaded authorities in South Africa where he previously resided, allegedly mastered the techniques of methamphetamine production before relocating his operations to Nigeria. Upon returning to his homeland, he clandestinely set up drug laboratories in remote areas to shield his criminal activities.

As Mbonu remains in custody pending legal proceedings, the NDLEA has identified two of his mansions in Imo State for potential forfeiture to the Federal Government. The arrest marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies combating drug trafficking and underscores ongoing efforts to dismantle organized crime networks involved in narcotics production and distribution across Nigeria.