The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman for allegedly ingesting 98 wraps of cocaine in Anambra State in an attempt to smuggle the illicit drug to Italy.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, during the outward clearance of passengers travelling on 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.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
The agency said its investigation showed that the suspect arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13, 2026, and later ingested the cocaine at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight back to Europe.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted that he had been doing business in Italy for several years before agreeing to traffic the consignment for €3,500.
He allegedly told investigators that he accepted the offer because he needed money to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.
NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Phone Chargers
The agency also reported a series of other drug seizures across different parts of the country.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives foiled an attempt by suspected drug traffickers to export 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed inside 25 phone chargers.
The consignment was reportedly destined for Saudi Arabia.
In another operation on Monday, August 3, operatives at a separate logistics company in Lagos intercepted 500 grammes of cocaine concealed in the false bottom of a backpack. The consignment was allegedly intended for shipment to Italy.
On Tuesday, August 4, NDLEA officers at another shipping company in Lagos intercepted 2.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, reportedly imported from the United States.
1,633kg of Skunk Seized in Ondo
In Ondo State, NDLEA operatives on patrol along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway intercepted a truck travelling northward on Tuesday, August 4.
A search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered 1,633 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in bags of rice shafts.
Two suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment.
The agency also reported the recovery of 147 kilogrammes of skunk from Ita Ogbolu Forest following a raid conducted on Monday, August 3.
Oyo Drug Warehouse Raided
In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a drug warehouse at Elebure village in 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.
The agency said the suspect’s alleged partner remains at large.
604.5kg of Skunk Recovered in Edo
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.
Suspected Drug Joint Operator Arrested in Abia
In Abia State, a 31-year-old suspected drug joint operator, identified as 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, according to the NDLEA.
Wanted Drug Dealer Arrested in Badagry
Meanwhile, in Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested a wanted drug dealer at the Fibre Market drug jungle in Badagry on Saturday, August 8, following a three-month manhunt.
The agency said 88.5 kilogrammes of skunk were recovered from the suspect at the time of his arrest.
Cannabis-Infused Cookies, Gummies Seized at Tin Can Port
At the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos, NDLEA operatives, working alongside 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 has been arrested in connection with the seizure.
NDLEA Continues WADA Sensitisation Campaign
Beyond its enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its commands and formations across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) 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 in Port Harcourt.
Commending officers and personnel of the Drug Operations and Forensic Intelligence Directorate (DOGI), Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and the Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Abia, Seme and Tin Can Commands for the successful operations, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), urged personnel to sustain what he described as the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.
The NDLEA said its personnel would continue to combine enforcement operations with drug abuse prevention, public sensitisation and advocacy efforts across the country.
