Brazil-Based Businessman Held As NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine-Soaked Shirts At Lagos Airport

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil-based Nigerian businessman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after discovering shirts and towels soaked in liquid cocaine. The suspect, 41-year-old Abugu Ikechukwu, was taken into custody upon arriving from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A forensic analysis revealed the concealed narcotics weighed 6.1 kilogrammes. Abugu told investigators he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant, and had travelled to Nigeria to visit family and purchase food supplies.

The arrest was part of a nationwide crackdown that saw NDLEA operatives recover more than two tonnes of illicit drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, and other controlled substances. In Taraba State, authorities raided a warehouse and seized 1,121.5 kilogrammes of cannabis. In Lagos, 1,102 kilogrammes of Ghana Loud cannabis were recovered. The agency also arrested two persons living with disabilities in separate operations. NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said, "This operation underscores our commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks, regardless of the concealment methods used."