The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported a series of drug trafficking interceptions across the country, including the arrest of an Italy-based businessman accused of attempting to smuggle cocaine to Europe.
The 30-year-old suspect was arrested on August 2 during passenger screening at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
According to the agency, he was travelling to Italy through Addis Ababa and France when operatives stopped him and placed him under observation.
He later expelled 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilogrammes.
Investigations reportedly showed that the suspect had arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13 before travelling to Awka, Anambra State, where he allegedly ingested the drugs at a hotel.
The NDLEA said the suspect admitted agreeing to transport the cocaine in exchange for €3,500.
He reportedly told investigators that he needed the money to support his planned relocation to Germany, where his family lives.
The agency said the arrest was part of a wider series of operations that resulted in the seizure of large quantities of illicit drugs in different parts of Nigeria.
In Lagos, officers intercepted 1.2 kilogrammes of cocaine allegedly concealed inside 25 phone chargers bound for Saudi Arabia.
Another 500 grammes of cocaine, hidden in a compartment inside a backpack, was also seized at a logistics company in the state. The package was reportedly destined for Italy.
A separate operation at another Lagos shipping company led to the recovery of 2.3 kilogrammes of Loud, a synthetic form of cannabis, which the agency said had been imported from the United States.
In Ondo State, a truck travelling along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway was stopped by NDLEA operatives.
A search uncovered 1,633 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in bags of rice shafts, leading to the arrest of two suspects.
Officers also recovered 147 kilogrammes of the same substance from Ita Ogbolu Forest following a raid.
In Oyo State, NDLEA operatives raided a suspected drug warehouse at Elebure village in Orire Local Government Area based on intelligence.
The operation resulted in the seizure of 731.03 kilogrammes of illicit substances and the arrest of a 57-year-old suspect. The agency said another person linked to the operation remains at large.
Edo State also recorded a major seizure, with NDLEA officers and soldiers recovering 65 jumbo bags of skunk weighing 604.5 kilogrammes at Ewe Luleha in Owan West Local Government Area.
In Abia State, a 31-year-old man identified as Chibuike Charles was arrested during a raid on a suspected drug joint in the Samec by Powerline area of Osisioma Local Government Area. Seven kilogrammes of skunk were recovered.
The NDLEA further disclosed that a wanted drug dealer was arrested in Badagry, Lagos, following a three-month manhunt.
The suspect was apprehended at the Fibre Market drug area on August 8, with 88.5 kilogrammes of skunk recovered from him.
At the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos, a joint operation involving the NDLEA, Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies uncovered 73 cartons containing 442 packets of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies.
The consignment, weighing 309.4 kilogrammes, was discovered during the examination of a 40-foot container. One suspect has been arrested.
Beyond the seizures, the agency said it continued its public awareness campaign under the War Against Drug Abuse initiative.
Sensitisation programmes were held at schools in Oyo, Anambra and Kano states, while the Rivers Command engaged the management of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt on drug prevention and awareness.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retired), commended the personnel involved in the operations and urged them to maintain the momentum.
He called for continued enforcement against drug trafficking while strengthening prevention, education and public awareness efforts across the country.
