Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after allegedly attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine out of the country.
Cocaine Hidden in Food Items Discovered at Abuja Airport
According to the NDLEA, Emeka was intercepted on Saturday, March 14, 2026, while trying to board British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport.
The suspect reportedly told officials he was traveling to London for a vacation.
However, a detailed search of his luggage uncovered 11 kilograms of cocaine cleverly concealed inside food items. NDLEA officers said the drugs were hidden in packages of ground dry pepper and wrapped with foil papers and balloons to avoid detection.
The development was disclosed in a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
Woman Arrested With Cocaine and Cannabis in Lagos
In a separate operation in Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested a woman identified as Maryam Olalowo at Ikad Hotel and Suites on March 9.
Authorities said she was caught attempting to sell 89 grams of cocaine along with 20 grams of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis. At the time of her arrest, she was reportedly with her three children, including a baby.
Investigations later revealed that the drugs allegedly belonged to her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji. NDLEA operatives subsequently arrested him the same day after he admitted ownership of the substances.
Officials also disclosed that Ibrahim had previously been arrested and convicted for a similar drug offense in 2015, for which he served two and a half years in prison.
NDLEA Busts Tramadol Trafficking Ring in Lagos
The agency also made multiple arrests related to drug trafficking in Lagos. Two suspects, Kalilou Simpara and Saidu Ibrahim, were apprehended at Ebute Ero on March 9 after they loaded 68,000 tablets of tramadol (250mg and 225mg) into a truck intended for transport to the Benin.
A follow-up raid at Idumota market on March 11 led to the arrest of the alleged owner of the consignment, Nnamdi Cyprian. NDLEA officers also intercepted a parcel ready for dispatch containing 1,000 tablets of tramadol (250mg).
Another operation at Idumota market on March 13 resulted in the arrest of Nwanosike Kelvin. Officers recovered 47,500 ampoules of pentazocine injection from his shop.
Massive Cannabis Seizures in Kano and Abuja
In northern Nigeria, NDLEA operatives arrested a 42-year-old suspect, Magaji Dan Azumi, in Bebeji area of Kano on March 10. Authorities recovered 386 kilograms of skunk, a strong form of cannabis, during the operation.
Meanwhile, in the Federal Capital Territory, officers seized 282.2 kilograms of skunk from another suspect, Isah Wako, in Gwagwalada on March 13.
Drug Farms Destroyed in Edo Forest
NDLEA officials also carried out a raid at the Egwa Forest Reserve in Aduan village, located in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
During the operation, a 33-year-old suspect, Chinedo Odalonu, was arrested. Authorities destroyed 4,218.96 kilograms of skunk planted on two farms and recovered an additional 16.5 kilograms of the illicit substance.
Codeine Shipment Intercepted at Apapa Port
At the Apapa Seaport, NDLEA operatives working alongside the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies intercepted 339,800 bottles of codeine-based cough syrup hidden in two shipping containers on March 14.
Officials said the containers had earlier been placed under surveillance after intelligence reports suggested they were being used to smuggle opioid products into the country.
NDLEA Intensifies Nationwide Anti-Drug Operations
The series of arrests and seizures highlight the ongoing efforts of the NDLEA to clamp down on drug trafficking networks across Nigeria. Authorities say they will continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting the illegal drug trade and preventing narcotics from reaching local and international markets.