By Otobong Gabriel, Abuja
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Nigeria-born businessman based in Brazil for allegedly smuggling cocaine into the country through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspect, identified as Uche Franklin Onyekwere, 47, was intercepted on Thursday, January 29, 2026, during passenger clearance for an inbound South African Airways flight that travelled from Brazil through Johannesburg.
According to the anti-narcotics agency, the arrest followed credible intelligence that flagged the suspect for possible drug trafficking.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement that officers conducted a body scan on Onyekwere shortly after his arrival. The scan reportedly indicated the presence of suspicious objects concealed on his body.
He was subsequently subjected to a thorough search, which led to the discovery of parcels of cocaine carefully hidden around his private area and inside the soles of his footwear.
During the operation, officials also recovered a large parcel of white powdery substance wrapped around his thigh, which later tested positive for cocaine.
The agency said the suspect is currently in custody while investigations continue, adding that efforts are ongoing to dismantle drug trafficking networks using international routes to smuggle narcotics into Nigeria.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to tightening surveillance at airports and other entry points to curb the influx of illegal drugs into the country.
No comments
Post a Comment