Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.
The suspect was apprehended at the departure hall on Saturday while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport in London.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said a search of the suspect’s luggage uncovered blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper.
Babafemi explained that the septuagenarian claimed he was travelling to the United Kingdom for a vacation before he was intercepted by NDLEA operatives.
“During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” the statement said.
The anti-narcotics agency also reported several arrests and drug seizures across different parts of the country in the past week.
In Lagos State, NDLEA operatives arrested Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites on Etim Inyang Street in Victoria Island while she was allegedly attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis.
According to the agency, Olalowo was with her three children, including an infant, at the time of the arrest. She later claimed the drugs belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was subsequently arrested the same day.
Investigations revealed that Olatunji had previously been arrested, convicted and sentenced to two and a half years’ imprisonment in 2015 for a similar drug-related offence.
In another operation on Lagos Island, NDLEA operatives arrested two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, after recovering 68,000 tramadol pills loaded in a truck allegedly meant for transportation to Benin Republic.
A follow-up raid at Idumota Market led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, believed to be the owner of the consignment. Officers also recovered a parcel containing 1,000 tramadol tablets prepared for waybill delivery from his shop.
Another raid at the same market resulted in the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin and the recovery of 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection.
In separate operations, NDLEA officers arrested Magaji Dan Azumi, 42, with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, while Isah Wako was apprehended with 282.2 kilograms of the same substance in Gwagwalada.
In Orhionmwon Local Government Area, operatives raided the Egwa Forest Reserve, where they arrested Chinedo Odalonu, 33, destroyed 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk on two farms and recovered an additional 16.5 kilograms.
At Apapa Seaport, NDLEA officers working with officials of the Nigeria Customs Service intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup concealed in two containers that had been placed on a watch list following intelligence reports.
Meanwhile, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Buba Marwa, commended officers in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Edo states for the successful arrests and seizures.
Marwa urged the operatives to sustain their efforts in tackling drug trafficking and reducing both the supply and demand of illicit substances across the country.
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