NDLEA Strikes Hard, Arrests Brazil-Based Businessman With Cocaine, Seizes Over One Tonne Of Cannabis In Taraba

In a major crackdown on illicit drug trafficking across the country, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA has arrested a Brazil-based businessman allegedly smuggling liquid cocaine into Nigeria and seized more than one metric tonne of cannabis sativa in a separate operation in Taraba State.

The agency said the operations underscore its intensified efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and prevent narcotics from reaching Nigerian communities.

At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos, operatives arrested 41-year-old Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu shortly after he arrived from São Paulo, Brazil, via Addis Ababa Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

According to the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, a detailed search of the suspect's luggage led to the discovery of 14 towels and shirts impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine.

The agency said the clothing materials had been soaked in the illicit substance, carefully dried and neatly ironed in an attempt to evade detection by security officials.

“A 41-year-old São Paulo, Brazil-based businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for importing shirts and towels impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine from the South American country into Nigeria,” Babafemi said.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had lived in Brazil for more than 14 years, where he reportedly operates an African restaurant.

According to NDLEA, he told investigators that he travelled to Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase food items for his restaurant business in Brazil.

Meanwhile, in Taraba State, the agency recorded another significant breakthrough following the recovery of 63 jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,121.5 kilograms equivalent to more than one metric tonne.

The seizure was made during an intelligence-led operation in Maihula town, Bali Local Government Area of the state.

NDLEA operatives arrested a 45-year-old suspect, identified as Ali Adamu, after raiding a warehouse where the illicit substance was allegedly stored.

Speaking on the operation, Commander of the NDLEA in Taraba State, Javanson Kwalma, described the seizure as one of the most significant drug interceptions recorded by the command in recent times.

“Acting on credible intelligence, operatives of the Taraba State Command carried out a successful operation at Maihula Town in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“During the operation, one suspect, Ali Adamu, a 45-year-old male, was arrested. A search conducted on his warehouse led to the recovery of sixty-three jumbo bags of cannabis sativa weighing 1,121.5 kilograms,” Kwalma said.

He noted that investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the consignment and uncover other individuals connected to the drug trafficking network. Kwalma said the seizure represents a major victory in the agency’s sustained campaign against illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse.

“By intercepting this large quantity of cannabis, the Command has prevented a substantial amount of illicit drugs from reaching our communities and endangering the lives of our citizens, particularly young people,” he added.

The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying operations against drug trafficking syndicates nationwide, stressing that ongoing intelligence-driven enforcement actions are aimed at reducing the availability of illicit substances and promoting safer communities across the country.