Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a Brazil-based businessman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, for attempting to smuggle 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed in shirts and towels from São Paulo into Nigeria.
The suspect, 41-year-old Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, was apprehended on Thursday upon arrival at the airport aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to the Director of Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, a detailed search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of clothing materials impregnated with liquid cocaine.
“A thorough search of his luggage led to the recovery of 14 towels and shirts, all soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and well ironed,” Babafemi said.
He explained that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had been residing in São Paulo, Brazil, for over 14 years, where he reportedly operated an African restaurant.
“In his statement, the suspect claimed he has lived for over 14 years in Brazil where he runs an African restaurant. He added that he was in Nigeria to see his wife and buy foodstuff in bulk for his restaurant,” Babafemi stated.
The airport arrest came as the anti-narcotics agency intensified operations against illicit drug trafficking networks across the country, leading to multiple arrests and seizures in several states.
Babafemi disclosed that two persons living with disabilities were also arrested in separate anti-drug operations in Abia and Rivers states for their alleged involvement in the illicit drug trade.
One of the suspects, 60-year-old Chidimma Sunday, was arrested in Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State after being found in possession of 1.8 kilograms of skunk.
“Chidimma Sunday was nabbed with 1.8kg of skunk by the Umuosu Vigilante Group in Umuna Autonomous Community and subsequently handed over to NDLEA officers,” he said.
In Rivers State, a 28-year-old suspect, Abubakar Usman, was arrested during a raid at Rumuokoro, Port Harcourt.
Babafemi said the suspect was found with multiple illicit substances, including skunk, methamphetamine, tramadol, swinol and diazepam.
“Abubakar Usman was arrested with 400 grams of skunk, five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, five grams of swinol and 18 grams of diazepam during a raid operation,” he added.
The NDLEA spokesman further revealed that large consignments of illicit drugs were recovered during coordinated operations in Kano, Kwara, Delta, Gombe, Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, as the agency sustained pressure on drug trafficking syndicates and dealers nationwide.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug networks and preventing illicit substances from reaching Nigerian communities.
The latest seizures and arrests underscore the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to curb the trafficking, distribution and abuse of narcotic substances across the country.
