Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine into Nigeria, hidden in clothing items.
The 41-year-old suspect was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos shortly after arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11.
According to NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a search of his luggage uncovered 14 shirts and towels soaked in liquid cocaine, which had been dried and ironed in an attempt to conceal the drugs.
The statement explained that the suspect was arrested upon arrival and taken into custody after the discovery of the illicit substances.
He was also quoted as saying he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant, and claimed he travelled to Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase food items for his business.
In other operations, the NDLEA also arrested a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, and a 28-year-old man, Abubakar Usman, both persons living with disabilities, over alleged involvement in drug-related offences in Abia and Rivers States.
The agency said Chidimma was caught with 1.8kg of skunk in Abia State and handed over to NDLEA operatives, while Usman was arrested in Port Harcourt with various illicit drugs including methamphetamine, tramadol, and other substances.
NDLEA also reported several drug seizures across Kwara, Taraba, and Lagos States, involving large quantities of cannabis.
The agency’s Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers involved in the operations and reiterated the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking and strengthening public sensitisation efforts nationwide.