The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three cargo handlers following the interception of a cocaine consignment destined for the United Kingdom (UK) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, Femi Babafemi said the drugs, weighing 1.50 kilogrammes, were discovered concealed in 75 factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch at the airport’s export shed.
The anti-draft agency operatives moved swiftly to arrest the cargo agents, Jubrin Hassana, Kuku Oluwasegun and Igwe Jane, who were linked to the attempted export of the illicit consignment on 20 December 2025.
Further investigation traced the operation to 37-year-old Nwobodo Basil, identified as the mastermind behind the smuggling attempt.
The statement revealed that Basil was apprehended the following day, Sunday, 21 December, at a leisure spot in Ikeja, Lagos.
Following multiple checks by the agency, it revealed that Nwobodo is an ex-convict who was arrested in May 2023 for trafficking 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in custard powder containers bound for London.
He was convicted by a Federal High Court, fined N7 million, sentenced to one month of community service and ordered to serve a five-year jail term with an option of fine, which he paid before returning to the drug trade.
Beyond the airport arrest, NDLEA recorded multiple seizures nationwide as operatives intensified raids across several states.
In Ekiti State, officers uncovered and destroyed cannabis farms and storage sites in Ara forest, recovering over 600kg of skunk.
Meanwhile, Edo State operatives intercepted three vehicles along the Igara–Auchi Road, seizing more than 880kg of compressed cannabis.
In Cross River State, coordinated raids in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of large quantities of skunk.
Additional arrests were made along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway, in Lagos, Taraba and Gombe states, with seizures including cannabis, tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids.
The agency also arrested a businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, who was wanted in connection with the seizure of a containerised shipment of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos, earlier in December.
Commending the officers involved, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa, urged personnel across the country to sustain vigilance during and beyond the festive period.
He stressed the need for professionalism in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
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