Drug Trafficking Arrests: Two Nigerians Excrete 156 Cocaine Pellets at Lagos and Abuja Airports

NDLEA Busts Cocaine Trafficking Ring at Lagos and Abuja Airports.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested three suspects in connection with the trafficking of illicit drugs at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

Ibeanusi Solomon Nosike, a 36-year-old businessman from Onitsha, Anambra State, was arrested on August 8, 2024, at the Lagos airport while attempting to board a flight to Abuja. He was found to have ingested 68 pellets of cocaine, which he excreted during a 12-day observation period.

Another suspect, Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, a 54-year-old businessman, was arrested on August 12, 2024, at the Abuja airport while attempting to board a flight to Vietnam. He excreted 88 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.710 kilograms during a four-day observation period.

A third suspect, Aligbo Chukwudi Jacob, was arrested in Onitsha on August 17, 2024, in connection with the seizure of a consignment of 1.20kg cannabis concealed in a package bound for Dubai.

The NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrests and said the agency would continue to work tirelessly to prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs through Nigerian airports.

The arrests are a significant breakthrough in the NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria. The agency has been working to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs, and these arrests are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

According to the NDLEA, the suspects used various methods to conceal the drugs, including swallowing cocaine pellets and hiding cannabis in packages bound for international destinations.

The NDLEA has vowed to continue its efforts to prevent drug trafficking and to bring those involved to justice. The agency is working closely with international partners to share intelligence and best practices in the fight against drug trafficking.

The arrests are also a reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of vigilance in preventing the spread of illicit drugs. The NDLEA is urging the public to report any suspicious activity and to support their efforts to keep communities safe.

In a statement, the NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the operatives for their excellent work and reiterated the agency’s commitment to making Nigeria a drug-free nation.

The suspects are currently facing charges related to drug trafficking and are being held in custody pending further investigation and prosecution.