Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Brazil-based Nigerian businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, over the alleged importation of 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed in shirts and towels.
The agency said Ikechukwu, 41, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
According to the NDLEA, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 14 shirts and towels allegedly impregnated with liquid cocaine, which had been dried and carefully ironed to conceal the substance.
The agency said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had resided in Brazil for over 14 years.
In his statement to investigators, Ikechukwu reportedly said he operates an African restaurant in Brazil and had travelled to Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase food items for his business.
Meanwhile, the NDLEA has also taken into custody two persons living with disabilities in separate operations in Abia and Rivers states over alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking.
The agency said a 60-year-old woman, Chidimma Sunday, was arrested in Umuna Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State.
She was reportedly apprehended by members of the Umuosu Vigilante Group with 1.8 kilograms of skunk and subsequently handed over to NDLEA officials on June 10.
Similarly, a 28-year-old suspect, Abubakar Usman, was arrested at Rumuokoro in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an NDLEA raid.
Items allegedly recovered from him included 400 grams of skunk, five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, five grams of swinol and 18 grams of diazepam.
The NDLEA said investigations into the cases were ongoing and reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and abuse across the country.
The agency urged members of the public to continue supporting efforts aimed at curbing the circulation of illicit substances in communities.
