NDLEA Nabs Suspects Over Smuggled Multibillion Naira Illicit Drugs

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted smuggled illicit substances, including cocaine, in their latest operations in various parts of Nigeria.

These include three-point-three-zero kilograms of cocaine concealed in walls of cartons used to package foodstuffs destined for the United Kingdom, which were intercepted at the Lagos airport.

The seizure of the hard drug led to the arrest of one fifty-five-year-old businessman ONUIGBO NDUBISI CHINEDU, who deals in clothing at the Balogun market on the Lagos Island.

NDLEA spokesman, FEMI BABAFEMI, who confirmed the development in a statement, said ONUIGBO was arrested on Thursday last week, July 23, 2026.

BABAFEMI said in the course of the investigation, operatives also tracked down three cargo agents, identified as NKWOR ONYEKACHUKWU JUSTINA; ADELEKE ABIOLA TAOHEED; and UKANWA GRACE PILGRIM, who handled the shipment.

He said the investigation trail also led to the arrest of one KENNETH OKAKPU who delivered the illicit consignment to the cargo agents for shipment to the UK.

In a separate development, NDLEA operatives, on Tuesday, July 21, nabbed thirty-one-year-old woman, identified as EMMANUELLA CHUKWU-EDO, at her residence in Surulere, Lagos, for alleged illicit drug trafficking

NDLEA spokesman said CHUKWU-EDO was arrested in connection with the seizure of a consignment of Canadian Loud – a synthetic strain of cannabis – which arrived in Lagos from the United States, aboard a United Airlines flight on Monday, July 20, 2026.

He said another interdiction operation at the Lagos airport also let to the seizure of over two-point-two million pills of Tapentadol, valued at over Two-Point-Two Billion Naira, which was smuggled from India.

Similarly, NDLEA operatives at the Apapa Seaport in Lagos, intercepted a shipment of Canadian Loud, valued at over Seven-Point-One Billion Naira, which was concealed in a container of three imported vehicles.