By Frontline Reporters

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman for allegedly ingesting 98 wraps of cocaine in Anambra State and attempting to smuggle the consignment to Italy.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, during the outward clearance of passengers aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930.

According to the NDLEA, the suspect was travelling to Italy through Addis Ababa and France when operatives intercepted him at the airport. He was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which he expelled 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilogrammes.

A statement by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said investigations revealed that the suspect arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13, 2026, and later ingested the drugs at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight back to Europe.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had been doing business in Italy for several years before accepting an offer to traffic the cocaine for €3,500. He allegedly said he agreed to the deal to raise money to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.

The agency also disclosed that its operatives in Lagos thwarted an attempt to export 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 25 phone chargers destined for Saudi Arabia. In a separate operation on Monday, August 3, another 500 grammes of cocaine hidden in the false bottom of a backpack and intended for Italy was intercepted at a logistics company.

On Tuesday, August 4, NDLEA operatives at another logistics company in Lagos intercepted 2.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, imported from the United States.

In Ondo State, operatives on patrol along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway intercepted a truck heading north on August 4 and recovered 1,633 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in bags of rice shafts. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment.

The agency also recovered 147 kilogrammes of skunk from Ita Ogbolu Forest during a raid conducted on Monday, August 3.

In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a drug warehouse in Elebure village, Orire Local Government Area, on Monday. The operation led to the recovery of 731.03 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect, while the suspect’s alleged partner remains at large.

In Edo State, NDLEA operatives, supported by soldiers, recovered 65 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 604.5 kilogrammes at Ewe Luleha in Owan West Local Government Area on Wednesday, August 5.

Similarly, in Abia State, a 31-year-old suspected drug joint operator, Chibuike Charles, was arrested during a raid at his Samec by Powerline base in Osisioma Local Government Area on Thursday, August 6. Seven kilogrammes of skunk were recovered from the location.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, a wanted drug dealer was arrested at the Fibre Market drug jungle in Badagry on Saturday, August 8, following a three-month manhunt. The NDLEA said 88.5 kilogrammes of skunk was recovered from the suspect.

At the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos, NDLEA officers, working with the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies, intercepted 73 cartons containing 442 packets of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies. The consignment, weighing 309.4 kilogrammes, was discovered during the joint examination of a 40-foot container on Tuesday, August 4. A suspect was arrested in connection with the seizure.

Beyond enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its commands and formations across the country sustained the War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaign during the week.

The agency conducted enlightenment lectures for students and staff of Islamic High School, Saki, Oyo State; Holy Ghost Academy, Nkpor, Anambra State; and Madarasatul Hidayatul Aulad Islamiyya, Gaya, Kano State. The Rivers State Command also paid a WADA advocacy visit to the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt.

Commending officers and personnel of the Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Abia, Seme and Tin Can Commands for the successful operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urged personnel to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.

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