A routine airport screening turned into a major drug bust after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted a Brazil-based businessman allegedly carrying cocaine hidden in clothing items.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, was arrested shortly after arriving in Lagos from Brazil. Authorities said the discovery was made during a detailed inspection of his luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The arrest has once again highlighted the growing efforts by anti-drug agencies to stop illegal substances from entering Nigeria through international routes. Moreover, the operation revealed a method of concealment that investigators described as carefully planned.
The NDLEA cocaine seizure occurred on Thursday, June 11, when the suspect arrived aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil, through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
According to NDLEA officials, a thorough search was conducted after his arrival. During the inspection, officers reportedly discovered several shirts and towels that had been soaked in liquid cocaine.
Investigators said the items were dried and neatly ironed to avoid suspicion. However, further examination allegedly revealed the presence of narcotic substances concealed within the fabrics.
In total, authorities recovered 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from 14 clothing items found inside the suspect’s luggage.
During questioning, Abugu reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for more than 14 years.
He claimed to operate an African restaurant in Sao Paulo and stated that his trip to Nigeria was intended for family and business purposes.
According to his statement, he had travelled to visit his wife and purchase food supplies for his restaurant business abroad.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operations in other parts of the country also resulted in additional arrests linked to suspected drug activities.
In Abia State, a 60-year-old woman identified as Chidimma Sunday was taken into custody after being found with 1.8 kilograms of skunk.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended by members of a local vigilante group in Umuna Autonomous Community. Thereafter, she was handed over to NDLEA officials for further investigation.
Similarly, another suspect was arrested during a separate operation in Rivers State.
The 28-year-old man, identified as Abubakar Usman, was reportedly apprehended in the Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt.
According to authorities, several substances were recovered during the raid.
Items allegedly found in his possession included 400 grams of skunk, five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, five grams of swinol, and 18 grams of diazepam.
Furthermore, officials noted that both suspects are persons living with disabilities.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by the agency to combat drug trafficking and illegal substance distribution across Nigeria.
Meanwhile, investigations into the cases are ongoing.
Authorities have assured the public that anti-drug operations will continue nationwide.
