The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Monday, said its operatives have arrested one of two brothers, Onyeaghalachi Stephen, whom the anti-narcotics agency believed were major sources of illicit drug supplies in the South-East and South-South regions of the country.

The agency said it has been on the trail of the suspects for nine years before the long hand of the law caught up with him.

However, Onyeaghalachi’s elder brother, Eze Stephen, who is also wanted, narrowly escaped during the overnight operation carried out simultaneously in their two locations in Umuahia and Ntigha Okpuola communities in Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State.

Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy of the agency, in a statement, noted that during the raid, quantities of cocaine and variants of cannabis were recovered from the two houses, adding that the agency has sealed two hotels, one eatery, two mansions linked to them and recovered three exotic vehicles from their homes, while efforts were ongoing to trace their bank accounts and properties.

The statement identified the hotels as Jahlove Hotel, Mbawsi, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Noicyhl Luxury Hotel, Aba -Port-Harcourt expressway, Aba and Royal Cruise Fast Food, Enugu- Port Harcourt expressway, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, all in Abia State.

Chairman of the agency, while commending the officers and men of the agency involved in the operation as well as men of the military who supported them for their professionalism, called on all loving Nigerians to rid the country of illicit drugs.