Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old businesswoman, Iwebema Ogechi Peace, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 7.5 kilogrammes of cocaine to China through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The NDLEA said the suspect was apprehended at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the airport while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight to Beijing, China.
According to the agency, the arrest followed credible intelligence that led to a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage.
The search reportedly uncovered four large parcels of cocaine concealed in a professionally constructed false bottom of her suitcase.
The illicit drug was said to weigh a total of 7.5kg.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she frequently travelled to China to purchase goods for sale in Nigeria.
The NDLEA said investigations were ongoing to determine the source of the drugs and identify other members of the suspected trafficking network.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying surveillance at the nation’s airports and other entry and exit points to curb illicit drug trafficking.
It also warned drug traffickers that it would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations to detect and dismantle narcotics syndicates operating within and outside the country.
