Reports say Mbonu was arrested by operatives of the NDLEA in his village mansion in Imo State on July 5.
A statement on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said Mbonu was arrested along with his associate. He stated that Mbonu belongs to a drug cartel behind the production of methamphetamine.
The cartel, with operational bases in Imo and Rivers states, became a target of the agency following intelligence indicating it was responsible for the distribution of substantial quantities of methamphetamine in the South-East, South-South and other parts of the country.
During the operation, Babafemi said operatives recovered 419.99 grams of methamphetamine, 750 grams of iodine, and a pump action gun with four cartridges, among others.
Babafemi said the operatives also raided residences of Mbonu’s associates in Rivers and Imo states, recovering several illicit drugs.
Babafemi stated that Mbonu had escaped from South Africa, where he lived for years, and mastered the art of cooking methamphetamine after he came under investigation for drug dealings.
He added that upon his return to Nigeria, he continued the criminal trade by setting up clandestine laboratories in remote villages to shield his nefarious activities.