Europe-Bound Newlywed Arrested With 72 Wraps of Cocaine in Stomach at Enugu Airport

A Europe-bound newlywed has been arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu after 72 wraps of cocaine were recovered from his stomach during screening.

The suspect was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) during an outbound screening operation at the airport.

According to the agency, the suspect had ingested the cocaine wraps in an attempt to conceal and transport them out of Nigeria.

The arrest followed intelligence-led surveillance and screening of passengers preparing to board an international flight from Enugu.

NDLEA operatives reportedly subjected the suspect to further examination after developing suspicion during the routine screening process.

The suspect was subsequently placed under observation, during which the drug-filled wraps were expelled.

A total of 72 wraps containing cocaine were recovered from his body.

The agency said the suspect had recently gotten married and was travelling to Europe when he was intercepted.

The development highlights the continued efforts by the NDLEA to prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s airports and other international exit points.

The agency has intensified passenger profiling and screening at airports as part of measures to disrupt attempts by drug traffickers to move prohibited substances across international borders.

Drug ingestion, commonly referred to as internal concealment, is one of the methods used by traffickers to transport narcotics while attempting to evade detection by security agencies.

The NDLEA has repeatedly warned travellers against allowing themselves to be used as couriers for drug trafficking, stressing that individuals found carrying prohibited substances face prosecution under Nigerian law.

The agency said investigations into the latest case were ongoing to determine the source of the cocaine and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the attempted trafficking operation.

The suspect is expected to face charges after the completion of investigations and other necessary procedures.

The NDLEA has also continued to appeal to members of the public to provide information that could assist authorities in identifying drug trafficking networks and preventing the movement of illicit substances through the country’s airports.