Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 62-year-old Lagos-based businessman, Nwabueze Izueke, at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport for attempting to traffic 1.589 kilograms of cocaine to China.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Izueke was apprehended on Saturday, January 31, 2026, during outward passenger clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight (ET940) to China via Addis Ababa.
“NDLEA officials subjected him to a body scan, which confirmed he had ingested illicit drugs. While under observation, the suspect—who claims he is into the clothing and auto spare parts business in Lagos—expelled a total of 95 pellets of cocaine in seven excretions,” the statement read.
In his statement, Izueke admitted he resorted to drug trafficking to raise funds to complete a house he is building in his village, Iwollo, Enugu State.
The arrest forms part of a broader nationwide crackdown by the NDLEA, which recorded multiple seizures and arrests in recent days.
Key Recoveries and Arrests:
– Abuja (Kubwa): 627.7 kg of skunk (cannabis strain) recovered from a makeshift warehouse at Fums Plaza.
– Enugu–Abuja–Kaduna route: Attempts to smuggle methamphetamine concealed in MP3 speakers foiled; four suspects arrested—Ebube Okeke (173g meth), Evans Ugwu, Mohammed Eze Arinze, and Friday Michael (28g meth).
– Taraba State: Suspect intercepted conveying methamphetamine hidden in yoghurt packs.
– Oyo State (Ibadan):Drug kingpin Jimoh Nurudeen (40) and accomplice Ogundipe Yusuf (27) arrested at Badeku; recovered items include 8 litres of precursor chemical, 14g skunk, Colos production paraphernalia, ₦7.4 million cash, and two vehicles (Mercedes-Benz SUV ABC 832 AZ and Toyota Highlander RBC 243 BS). Another suspect, Adeniyi Adeola (a.k.a. Prince), nabbed at Foko, Agbeni market with 10,820 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 117,820 tramadol capsules.
– Imo State: Couple Izuchukwu Azubuike (37) and Ifunaya Mmadueke (32) arrested at Umuaka, Njaba with 203 kg skunk.
– Ondo State: 420 kg skunk recovered in a bush at Ikun Akoko.
The NDLEA emphasized that these operations demonstrate its sustained efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect public health and national security.
Izueke and other suspects remain in custody and will face prosecution upon completion of investigations.
