Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 37-year-old ex-convict, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three cargo agents, over an attempt to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The arrests followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine, weighing 1.50 kilograms, concealed in sachets of liquid starch at the airport’s export shed.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, said the illicit drug consignment was intercepted during routine checks at the MMIA export terminal.
According to Babafemi, the three cargo agents Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane were arrested on December 20 in connection with the attempted export, while Nwobodo was later tracked and apprehended at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.
Babafemi disclosed that Nwobodo is a known drug trafficker who had previously been convicted in 2023 for attempting to smuggle 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers and destined for London.
“He was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid. Unfortunately, investigations revealed that he returned to drug trafficking shortly after his release,” Babafemi said.
In other related operations, NDLEA operatives in Gombe State arrested a 65-year-old driver found in possession of large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections, and other opioids.
Similarly, a businessman who had been on the agency’s wanted list in connection with the seizure of 26 kilograms of cannabis at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos was also arrested.
The NDLEA spokesperson added that between December 21 and 25, the agency carried out coordinated raids across several states, leading to the destruction of cannabis warehouses, the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of illicit drugs, and the arrest of multiple suspects nationwide.
Babafemi reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit hub for illicit drugs.
“The agency remains resolute in its mandate to rid the country of drug abuse and trafficking, and we will continue to intensify our operations across airports, seaports, borders and communities,” he said.
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