The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 52-year-old businessman for attempting to smuggle 127 wraps of cocaine through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed in a statement on Sunday that the suspect, who operates boutiques in Lagos and Onitsha, was intercepted upon arrival from Bangkok, Thailand, via Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 941 on Wednesday. Following a body scan, the man was found to have concealed drugs in his private part and ingested several pellets. NDLEA operatives recovered 58 wraps of cocaine from his underwear, and after placing him under observation, another 69 pellets were excreted in seven rounds, totalling 127 wraps weighing 1.388 kilograms. In a related operation, NDLEA agents intercepted three drug consignments heading to the United Kingdom at courier firms in Lagos. The seizures included 1.74 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in glass ceramic blocks, pentazocine and tramadol injections weighing 282 grams, and 48 grams of tramadol concealed in Vitamin C containers. The agency also foiled attempts to ship 2.6 kilograms of cannabis (“skunk”) and 422 grams of tapentadol tablets disguised as black soap to Turkey, 169 grams of cocaine hidden in ladies’ handbags bound for Australia, and 568 grams of cannabis concealed in herbal containers destined for the UAE. The NDLEA said the arrests and seizures underscore its commitment to dismantling international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s airports and courier hubs.
