Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 55-year-old clothing trader, Onuigbo Ndubisi Chinedu, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 3.30kg of cocaine to the United Kingdom.
The suspect, who operates at Balogun Market, one of the largest commercial hubs in Lagos, was apprehended during a routine inspection of outgoing cargo. NDLEA operatives discovered the illicit substance cleverly concealed inside the walls of cartons used to package food items destined for the UK.
According to NDLEA sources, the cartons were part of a consignment intended for export when they were flagged during a screening process at the Lagos airport. A thorough search revealed the cocaine carefully sewn into the cardboard compartments, a tactic commonly used by drug traffickers to evade detection.
Chinedu is currently in NDLEA custody and will face prosecution under the provisions of the NDLEA Act, which prescribes severe penalties for drug trafficking offences. The arrest underscores the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s ports and airports.
The NDLEA has reiterated its determination to curb the illicit drug trade and has called on members of the public to provide useful information that could lead to the arrest of other traffickers.