The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a fresh attempt to smuggle cocaine to the United Kingdom, arresting a previously convicted drug trafficker and three others after intercepting the illicit consignment cleverly concealed in factory-sealed sachets of liquid starch at the Lagos airport.
In a statement on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA, said operatives at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, seized 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilogrammes destined for the UK.
Babafemi disclosed that three cargo agents-Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane, were first arrested on Saturday, December 20, before further investigation exposed 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind behind the shipment.
Basil was subsequently arrested the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja while on a date with his girlfriend.
According to the NDLEA, Basil is a repeat offender who was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers bound for London.
He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before returning to drug trafficking.
Beyond the airport seizure, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives intensified nationwide raids during the past week, recovering tons of skunk and other illicit drugs across several states.
In Ekiti State, officers set ablaze cannabis warehouses in Ara forest, where 638kg of skunk was recovered, while Edo State operatives intercepted 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1kg.
In Cross River State, three suspects were arrested with a combined 908kg of skunk during raids in Yakurr Local Government Area. Additional seizures and arrests were recorded in Lagos, Taraba, Gombe and the Federal Capital Territory, including the interception of large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids.
The NDLEA also arrested a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, linked to the seizure of 26kg of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan seaport in Lagos.
Commending officers involved in the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, urged operatives to sustain vigilance throughout the festive season and maintain the highest standards of professionalism as the agency intensifies its war against drug abuse and trafficking nationwide.
