NDLEA Intercepts 25kg Meth Hidden in Breakfast Cereal from South Africa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 25.05 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in packs of assorted breakfast cereals imported from South Africa through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The agency also arrested a 56-year-old Nigerian suspected of trafficking the drugs, who allegedly lived in South Africa for more than two decades using a stolen identity.

The NDLEA disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday, November 15, 2026, by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.

According to the agency, the suspect, identified as Omokan Isaac Babatope, whose real name is Chinedu Onwude, was arrested on Wednesday, November 11, at the arrival hall of Terminal II of the Lagos airport upon his return from South Africa.

A search of his two travelling boxes led to the discovery of 25 parcels containing a white crystalline substance weighing 25.05kg. The substance subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine.

The parcels had been carefully concealed inside packs of assorted breakfast cereals and cereal-based food products in an attempt to evade airport security screening.

The agency said the suspect holds Nigerian and South African passports and had lived in South Africa for more than 24 years.

During preliminary questioning, Onwude allegedly admitted adopting the name Omokan Isaac Babatope after using forged documents to gain entry into South Africa. He reportedly told investigators that a South Africa-based man, identified as Obiora Okoye, contracted him to deliver the consignment in Nigeria for R20,000.

In a separate operation at the same airport on November 11, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old American citizen, Greene Da’monte Khiree, over a 33.95kg shipment of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, allegedly brought from Thailand through Dubai.

The agency said the suspect abandoned two checked-in bags bearing his name before attempting to leave the airport with only his carry-on luggage. He was subsequently arrested at the airport car park.

A search of the bags uncovered 32 parcels of cannabis weighing 33.95kg, while a tracking device was also recovered.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operations, praising their vigilance and professionalism.

He said the interception demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent drug traffickers from exploiting different concealment methods to move illicit substances into the country.