The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 74-year-old man, identified as Emeka, for attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The drugs were hidden in ground dry pepper, wrapped in foil and balloons. Emeka was intercepted while trying to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London on Saturday, March 14, 2026. He claimed the trip was for vacation.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi also highlighted multiple drug arrests across Nigeria:
• Lagos: Mrs. Maryam Olalowo was caught selling 89 grams of cocaine and 20 grams of Canadian Loud at Ikad Hotel, Victoria Island. Her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, later taken into custody, admitted ownership. Ibrahim had a prior conviction for a similar offense in 2015.
• Lagos Island: Two men, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, were arrested after 68,000 tramadol pills were seized from a truck allegedly headed to Benin. A follow-up raid at Idumota Market led to the arrest of Nnamdi Cyprian, linked to the consignment, and 1,000 more tramadol tablets were recovered. Another raid yielded 47,500 pentazocine injection ampoules with Nwanosike Kelvin.
• Other states: Magaji Dan Azumi was arrested with 386 kilograms of skunk in Bebeji, and Isah Wako with 282.2 kilograms in Gwagwalada. In Edo State, Chinedo Odalonu was caught at Egwa Forest Reserve; 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk were destroyed, with 16.5 kilograms recovered.
• Apapa Seaport: NDLEA and customs officials intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based syrup hidden in two containers flagged by intelligence.
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