The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Brazil-based businessman over the alleged importation of 6.10kg of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
- +NDLEA arrests Brazil-based businessman with 6.10kg cocaine at MMIA
The agency made the disclosure on Sunday, June 14, 2026, through its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stating that the suspect was intercepted on arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a routine luggage search.
The agency made the disclosure on Sunday, June 14, 2026, through its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stating that the suspect was intercepted on arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, during a routine luggage search.
The suspect was found with cocaine concealed in clothing items, including shirts and towels, which had been soaked, dried, and ironed to evade detection.
The NDLEA said the suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after operatives discovered cocaine hidden in clothing items.
It added that he claimed to have lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant, and said he was visiting Nigeria to see his wife and buy food items in bulk.
The agency said the interception reflects continued intelligence-led operations targeting South America–West Africa trafficking routes.
The NDLEA also conducted coordinated operations across several states, leading to arrests and drug seizures.
In Abia, a 60-year-old woman with a disability was arrested with 1.8kg of skunk.
In Rivers, a 28-year-old man with a disability was caught with methamphetamine, tramadol, diazepam, and cannabis.
In Lagos, operatives also recovered 1,102kg of “Ghana Loud” cannabis around Alaba International Market.
The NDLEA said the operations are part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign combining enforcement and sensitisation nationwide.
The arrest comes amid intensified NDLEA operations across Nigeria, with rising seizures and convictions.
The agency recorded 974 convictions in Q1 2026, including 11 drug kingpins sentenced to a combined 254 years in prison.
The NDLEA has also arrested several high-profile cartel figures following intelligence-led operations across Lagos and other states.
The latest Lagos airport interception highlights the agency’s continued focus on disrupting air, sea, and land trafficking routes.
