NDLEA Intercepts N4.4 Billion Cocaine Stash Hidden In Ethiopian Airlines Lavatories

NDLEA Intercepts N4.4 Billion Cocaine Stash Hidden In Ethiopian Airlines Lavatories An attempt by an international drug syndicate operating between Brazil, Ethiopia, and Nigeria to smuggle 845 wraps of cocaine into Lagos has been foiled by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The drug packages, weighing 18.72 kilograms and valued at approximately N4.49 billion, were seized at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

In a statement on Sunday, November 3, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi reported that the drugs were found during a post-landing inspection of Ethiopian Airlines flight ET900 from Addis Ababa to Lagos on October 29, 2024. The cocaine was discovered wrapped in nine polythene bags and hidden in waste compartments in the aircraft’s rear lavatories, following a tip-off to NDLEA’s MMIA Strategic Command.

So far, 30 suspects have been interrogated in connection with the smuggling attempt. According to NDLEA investigations, the drugs were transported from Brazil to Ethiopia through body-packing methods, ingested by couriers who then excreted them in Addis Ababa. Other syndicate members attempted to carry the drugs into Nigeria, but the collaboration between NDLEA, airline officials, and airport stakeholders led to the interception.

In a related development, NDLEA agents in Lagos thwarted another smuggling attempt on October 28. Officers of the Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) seized 2.928 kilograms of cocaine, cannabis, and tramadol 225mg concealed in body cream containers and artwork bound for Australia, the UAE, and the UK.