NDLEA Arrests Italy-Based Businessman With 98 Wraps Of Cocaine At Enugu Airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman, Joseph Cyril, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, for allegedly trafficking cocaine.

The agency disclosed this in a statement issued by its Director of Media and Advocacy.

According to the NDLEA, Cyril allegedly ingested 98 wraps of cocaine while preparing to travel to Italy through Addis Ababa and France.

The suspect was arrested at the airport’s departure hall on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930.

He was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which he allegedly expelled 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510kg.

NDLEA investigations reportedly showed that Cyril arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13, 2026, and allegedly ingested the drugs at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight to Europe.

In his statement, the suspect reportedly said he had been doing business in Italy for several years before agreeing to transport the drug consignment for €3,500.

He allegedly told investigators that he accepted the deal in an effort to raise money to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.

NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Shipments in Lagos

The NDLEA also disclosed that its operatives in Lagos prevented separate attempts to export cocaine concealed in different items.

According to the agency, operatives at a courier company intercepted 1.2kg of cocaine hidden inside 25 phone chargers and allegedly destined for Saudi Arabia.

In another operation on Monday, August 3, officers at a different logistics company stopped an attempt to send 500g of cocaine to Italy. The drug was allegedly concealed inside the false bottom of a backpack.

The agency also said operatives intercepted 2.3kg of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, at another shipping company in Lagos on Tuesday, August 4. The consignment was reportedly coming from the United States.

NDLEA Seizes Over 1.6 Tonnes of Cannabis

In another operation, NDLEA officers patrolling the Akure-Ilesha Expressway on Tuesday, August 4, intercepted a truck allegedly transporting 1,633kg of skunk to northern Nigeria.

The cannabis was reportedly concealed in bags of rice shafts.

Two suspects, Buba Jamilu, 40, and Sanusi Ibrahim, 30, were arrested in connection with the consignment.

The agency also said 147kg of skunk was recovered from the Ita Ogbolu forest during a raid on Monday, August 3.

Operations Continue Across States

In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives acting on intelligence raided a suspected drug warehouse in Elebure village, Orire Local Government Area, on Monday, August 3.

The operation reportedly led to the recovery of 731.03kg of cannabis and the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect, Felicia Thompson.

The agency said her alleged partner, Thompson Vincent Nwaka, remained at large.

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

In Abia State, officers arrested Chibuike Charles, 31, during a raid on a suspected drug joint at Samec by Powerline in Osisioma Local Government Area on Thursday, August 6. About 7kg of skunk was allegedly recovered.

Meanwhile, a wanted drug suspect, Adome Claude Sikuru, was arrested at the Fibre Market drug area in Badagry, Lagos, on Saturday, August 8, following a three-month manhunt.

The NDLEA said 88.5kg of skunk was recovered from him at the time of his arrest.

Cannabis-Infused Cookies, Gummies Seized at Lagos Port

The agency further disclosed that 73 cartons containing 442 packets of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies, weighing a combined 309.4kg, were discovered during a joint examination of a 40-foot container at the Tincan Port Complex in Lagos.

The operation, conducted on Tuesday, August 4, involved NDLEA officers, Customs and other security agencies.

A suspect identified as Larry Nnaji was reportedly arrested in connection with the seizure.

NDLEA Continues Drug Abuse Campaign

Beyond enforcement operations, the agency said its commands and formations across the country continued with its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns during the week.

The activities included awareness lectures at 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 DOGI, AIIA, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Abia, Seme and Tincan Commands for the operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), urged personnel across the country to sustain the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.

Marwa encouraged officers to maintain the momentum in both drug enforcement and public sensitisation efforts.