The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled several international drug trafficking rings in a series of coordinated operations at Nigeria’s major airports, arresting multiple suspects, including a former Nigerian footballer and Europe-based traffickers.
According to a statement released by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operations led to the seizure of substantial quantities of illicit substances including heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The raids were carried out at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
One of the arrested suspects is a former Nigerian footballer, identified as Ifeanyi Chukwuma, who was caught with 1.45kg of cocaine concealed in his luggage. The ex-footballer reportedly played professionally in Europe before becoming involved in trafficking.
The agency also apprehended several Europe-based couriers attempting to smuggle drugs into and out of Nigeria. One suspect, traveling from Brazil via Ethiopia, was caught with over 4kg of heroin ingeniously hidden in clothing items.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the agency’s operatives for their vigilance and reiterated the agency’s resolve to clamp down on drug syndicates and safeguard the country from illicit drug flows.
The arrested individuals are currently in custody and will be charged accordingly after investigations are concluded.
