NDLEA Arrests China-Bound Businesswoman With Cocaine, Seizes N12.3bn Cannabis at Lagos Port

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a businesswoman attempting to smuggle cocaine to China, intercepted illicit drugs valued at N12.3 billion at the Lagos seaport, dismantled a drug syndicate that allegedly plants narcotics in passengers’ luggage, and arrested three suspected transnational traffickers with over 500,000 tramadol pills.

The agency said the operations were carried out across Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory as part of its ongoing crackdown on drug trafficking networks.

China-bound passenger arrested

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, arrested 38-year-old Iwebema Ogechi Peace while she was preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing, China.

According to him, the suspect was placed under surveillance following credible intelligence.

A search of her checked luggage allegedly led to the discovery of four large parcels of cocaine concealed inside a professionally constructed false bottom of the suitcase.

Babafemi said the suspect is assisting investigators with information on the drug trafficking network behind the attempted export.

N12.3 billion cannabis intercepted

In another major operation, NDLEA operatives, working with other security agencies, intercepted 195 large sacks of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, at the Lagos seaport.

The agency valued the seizure at approximately N12.3 billion in street value, describing it as one of the largest cannabis interceptions recorded in recent months.

Syndicate that plants drugs in passengers’ luggage busted

The anti-narcotics agency also announced the dismantling of a criminal syndicate accused of planting illicit drugs inside the luggage of unsuspecting passengers travelling by commercial buses.

Babafemi said the operation began after NDLEA officers intercepted a suspicious waybill package aboard a bus travelling from Nnewi, Anambra State, to Abuja.

The package, recovered during a search at Abaji in the FCT, allegedly contained methamphetamine concealed inside a black nylon bag hidden among clothes.

Investigators immediately traced the package to its intended recipient, identified as Gloria Peter, who was arrested at Utako Motor Park in Abuja.

However, according to the agency, she denied ownership or knowledge of the drugs.

Further investigation led to the arrest of one of the bus loaders in Nnewi, who allegedly confessed that he had placed the drug package inside the woman’s luggage on the instruction of the vehicle’s driver, identified as Abdurrazak Isah.

The driver was subsequently arrested and reportedly identified one of his passengers, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, as the owner of the illicit consignment.

Okoye was later apprehended during a follow-up operation in Abuja.

More arrests in Lagos and along international border

In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives arrested 57-year-old Ikechukwu Uwakwe at Iddo Motor Park in Lagos, where he was allegedly found in possession of 209.5 kilograms of Scottish Loud, another potent cannabis strain.

The agency also intercepted a truck on Mile 2 Bridge in Lagos conveying a large consignment of tramadol tablets allegedly smuggled from Togo through the Benin Republic.

Three suspects were arrested in connection with the seizure, including two Beninese nationals, Hossou Tito Julien and Mancellim Dossou, alongside a Nigerian, Jackson ThankGod.

According to the NDLEA, a thorough search of the truck uncovered more than 500,000 tramadol pills concealed inside a specially fabricated compartment.

The agency said investigations into the various cases are ongoing and reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting local and transnational drug trafficking networks operating within and across Nigeria’s borders.