In a significant bust, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has thwarted an international drug syndicate’s attempt to smuggle 18.72 kilograms of cocaine into Lagos, valued at approximately N4.4 billion. The operation took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) on October 29, 2024, following the arrival of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET900 from Addis Ababa.
NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Femi Babafemi, revealed that the cocaine was hidden within two lavatories of the aircraft, wrapped in nine polythene bags. Upon discovery, 30 individuals were interrogated in connection with the smuggling attempt.
The investigation uncovered that the drugs were initially transported from Brazil to Ethiopia, where they were ingested by couriers and subsequently excreted in Addis Ababa. Collaborating with airline authorities and airport stakeholders, NDLEA operatives successfully blocked the attempt to smuggle the drugs into Nigeria.
In related efforts, NDLEA officers intercepted additional shipments, including 2.928 kg of cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol concealed in body cream containers destined for Australia, the UAE, and the UK. Another operation at the Apapa seaport led to the seizure of 754,000 pills of tapentadol and acetaminophen worth N525 million from a container arriving from India.
Elsewhere, several arrests were made across Nigeria, including a suspect caught with 147,000 tramadol pills in the Federal Capital Territory and another with 68 kg of cannabis in Kogi state. Notorious drug dealer Usman Abba was also apprehended with cannabis at a hotel in Katsina.
NDLEA continues its “War Against Drug Abuse” initiative, conducting sensitization lectures in schools, workplaces, and communities nationwide. NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the agency’s operatives for their diligent efforts and urged them to maintain their vigilance in combating drug trafficking.
