3 Suspects Detains Over Cocaine Concealed in Tins of Palm Kernel Oil

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have uncovered a consignment of cocaine concealed in tins of palm kernel oil meant for smuggling to the United Kingdom.

The NDLEA cocaine bust at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos followed three weeks of intelligence-led operation targeted at an international drug trafficking syndicate.

NDLEA spokesman, FEMI BABAFEMI, disclosed in a statement that officers at the airport intercepted three-point-one-zero kilograms of cocaine inside tins of palm kernel oil at the export shed.

BABAFEMI also announced the arrest of two suspects linked to the shipment, identified as IDRIS OLAYIWOLA AMOO and AKINLAMI AKINSOJI ADEDOYIN.

He said a follow-up investigation also led to the arrest of EZEMUWO JOEL on Friday, April, and a further link to one fifty-two-year-old KING ARINZE, who is alleged to be the mastermind of the cocaine smuggling.

The NDLEA spokesman said ARINZE was arrested at a hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos, from where he led officers to his warehouse at Bucknor area near Jakande Ester, where operatives recovered eight hundred and eighty-six tins of palm kernel oil prepared for drug concealment.

He said they also seized industrial tools, including sealing machines, tin openers, and paint sprays used to perfect the disguise.

Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, MOHAMED BUBA MARWA, said the operation underscores the agency’s strengthened intelligence capabilities and resolve to dismantle drug supply chains.