Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and railings of travel bags belonging to a 38-year-old businessman travelling to Milan, Italy.
The suspect, identified as Philip Tunde, was arrested at the joint screening point of Terminal 2, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, while preparing to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan.
Read also: Search Continues for Missing Passengers After Boat Capsizes in Benue
The anti-narcotics agency also intercepted a large consignment of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, during a joint examination of a watch-listed container at the Tincan Island Port in Lagos.
The container, which originated from Montreal, Canada, was examined by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders.
According to the NDLEA, the search led to the discovery of 2,595 parcels of Canadian Loud weighing 1,297.5 kilogrammes.
Read also: Kawu Sumaila’s 3 Years, 103 Projects and the 2027 Verdict
The illicit drugs were concealed in a Toyota Sienna and Hyundai Elantra vehicles, alongside 24 blue drums and six jumbo bags packed inside the container.
The NDLEA said the seized consignment has an estimated street value of more than N3.8 billion.
In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the interceptions formed part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s airports and seaports.
Reacting to the seizures, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended the operatives involved in the operations.
Read also: Police Invite Kano Politician Over Alleged Firearm Display
Marwa urged all NDLEA Commands across the country to sustain the pressure on drug trafficking networks while maintaining the agency’s balanced approach to drug control.
He said the agency would continue to combine enforcement operations with other measures aimed at reducing the trafficking and abuse of illicit drugs across the country.