The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a significant drug haul worth over N4.9 billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The agency successfully foiled an attempt by an international drug syndicate operating across Brazil, Ethiopia, and Nigeria to smuggle 18.72 kilograms of cocaine into the country.
The illicit drugs, concealed within the lavatories of an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Addis Ababa, were discovered during a post-landing inspection on October 29, 2024. Following a tip-off, NDLEA operatives, in collaboration with airline authorities and other airport stakeholders, were able to seize the drugs.
Investigations are ongoing, and over 30 suspects have been apprehended in connection with the case. It is believed that the drugs were ingested by couriers in Brazil, excreted in Ethiopia, and then repackaged for smuggling into Nigeria.
