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 before attempting to smuggle the consignment to Italy.

He was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA), Enugu, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930.

The suspect was reportedly travelling to Italy through Addis Ababa and France when NDLEA 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, a statement signed by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed.

According to the NDLEA, investigations revealed that the suspect arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13, 2026, and later ingested the drugs at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight back to Europe.

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

He reportedly told investigators that he accepted the offer in a bid to raise funds to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.

The NDLEA also reported the interception of several other consignments of illicit drugs in different parts of the country.

In Lagos, operatives thwarted an attempt by suspected drug traffickers to export 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in 25 phone chargers destined for Saudi Arabia.

Another 500 grammes of cocaine hidden in the false bottom of a backpack and intended for shipment to Italy was intercepted at a separate logistics company on Monday, August 3.

On Tuesday, August 4, NDLEA operatives at another shipping company in Lagos intercepted 2.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, imported from the United States.

In Ondo State, NDLEA officers on patrol along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway intercepted a truck heading north on Tuesday, August 4.

The vehicle was found to contain 1,633 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in bags of rice shafts.

Two suspects were arrested in connection with the consignment.

The Agency also recovered 147 kilogrammes of skunk from Ita Ogbolu Forest during a raid conducted on Monday, August 3.

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

The operation resulted in the recovery of 731.03 kilogrammes of illicit drugs and the arrest of a 57-year-old.

The Agency said Thompson’s alleged partner remains at large.

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.

In Abia State, a suspected drug joint operator, 31-year-old 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.

Meanwhile, in Lagos, a wanted drug dealer was arrested at the Fibre Market drug jungle in Badagry on Saturday, August 8, following a three-month manhunt.

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

At the Tin Can Island Port Complex in Lagos, NDLEA officers, working with 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.

Alongside its enforcement operations, the NDLEA said its commands and formations across the country continued with its 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 DOGI, Akanu Ibiam International Airport, 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 the Agency’s balanced approach to drug control. (Channels TV)

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