Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have foiled multiple attempts by drug trafficking networks to smuggle illicit substances, including methamphetamine and opioids, through Lagos.
According to the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the seizures were made at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and a courier facility in the city, where traffickers had concealed drugs in cartons, winter jackets and body cream containers destined for Europe.
Two suspects linked to shipments bound for Italy were arrested at the airport. One of them, Friday Ehianuka, was intercepted while attempting to board a flight to Rome with thousands of tramadol pills hidden inside skin care containers packed in his luggage.
He later admitted he was to be paid in euros upon successful delivery.
In a separate operation, another Italy-bound passenger, Christian Agbonhese, was apprehended with tens of thousands of opioid pills concealed in winter jackets in his luggage.
The agency also uncovered drug consignments at a Lagos courier firm, including a parcel of a potent cannabis strain shipped from the United States, as well as methamphetamine hidden in the walls of a carton bound for New Zealand.
The NDLEA says the interceptions highlight the growing desperation of trafficking groups and reaffirm its commitment to disrupting the movement of illicit drugs through Nigeria’s air and logistics channels.
Reporting By Nosa Aituamen