The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a drug syndicate attempting to smuggle cocaine and cannabis to and from Nigeria using deceptive concealment methods.
In a statement released on Sunday, the agency disclosed that its operatives seized 12 parcels of cocaine hidden in the false bottoms of food flasks at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. The illicit consignment, weighing 2.80 kilograms, was bound for the United Kingdom via a Virgin Atlantic flight. The seizure was made on April 9, 2026, at the airport’s export shed.
Two cargo agents, Ama Obinna Ufeim, 33, and Ogabi Monday Akorede, 39, were arrested in connection with the shipment. Further investigations led to the arrest of a 52-year-old freight forwarder, Agoro Tajudeen Moninuola, identified as the sender of the drugs.
In a separate operation at the airport’s import shed on April 8, NDLEA operatives intercepted 2.90 kilograms of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, concealed in snack packs. The consignment arrived from the United States on a Delta Air Lines flight. Two clearing agents were initially arrested, while the consignee, a 29-year-old fashion designer, was later apprehended in Lagos.
Beyond Lagos, major drug seizures were recorded across several states. In Kaduna, operatives intercepted a truck transporting cement along the Kaduna-Zaria highway. A search uncovered 847 kilograms of skunk hidden in the vehicle, leading to the arrest of the driver.
In Cross River State, NDLEA officers, supported by security personnel, raided a forest in Akamkpa Local Government Area, destroying 15,000 kilograms of cannabis cultivated on six hectares of farmland and recovering additional quantities.
Similar operations in Edo and Delta states resulted in further seizures and arrests, while in Lagos, suspects were caught transporting tramadol and phenobarbital injections to Ghana. Another raid on Lagos Island led to the recovery of 95.8 kilograms of cannabis.
NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended officers across commands for their efforts, urging them to sustain the momentum in combating drug trafficking nationwide.
