A 30-year-old businessman based in Italy, identified as Joseph Cyril, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu State over the alleged trafficking of cocaine.
The suspect was arrested on Sunday, August 2, during the outward clearance of passengers travelling on an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Europe via Addis Ababa and France.
According to the NDLEA, Cyril was subjected to observation after officers suspected that he had ingested narcotics. During the observation period, he reportedly excreted 98 wraps containing cocaine, with a combined weight of 1.510 kilograms.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that Cyril arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13. The agency said he later ingested the suspected drug consignment at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight.
In his statement to investigators, the suspect reportedly said he had been involved in business activities in Italy for several years. He allegedly agreed to transport the consignment in exchange for €3,500, which he intended to use to support his relocation to Germany, where his family is based.
The NDLEA said the arrest formed part of its ongoing efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigerian airports and courier channels.
Other Drug Interceptions
In a separate operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives reportedly intercepted a shipment containing 25 pieces of phone chargers allegedly destined for Saudi Arabia. The agency said the items were linked to an attempt to conceal and transport a controlled substance.
The agency also reported that officers at another logistics company in Lagos stopped an attempt to send 500 grams of cocaine to Italy. The substance was allegedly concealed inside a modified backpack.
In another operation on Tuesday, August 4, NDLEA officers reportedly intercepted a consignment containing 2.3 kilograms of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, which had arrived from the United States through a shipping company in Lagos.
The NDLEA said investigations into the various seizures and arrests were ongoing, with further developments expected as the agency continues its efforts to prevent the movement of illicit drugs through airports, courier companies and other transportation channels.
The allegations contained in this report remain subject to due process, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.