The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 25-year-old businessman at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu for allegedly attempting to traffic 72 wraps of cocaine to Portugal.
The suspect, identified as Lovely Chukwulobelu, was intercepted on September 25 while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal through Addis Ababa. The NDLEA said the cocaine had been concealed in his stomach.
He was subsequently placed under excretion observation and egested all 72 wraps, according to the agency.
The NDLEA said the suspect, who resides in Portugal, had previously operated a car-decoration business in Lagos before relocating abroad in 2023. He reportedly returned to Nigeria recently and got married on September 13.
The agency said he allegedly told investigators that he became involved in drug trafficking to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.
The arrest formed part of wider NDLEA operations that week, including the seizure of 2.55 million opioid pills weighing more than 1,640kg at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, alongside other drug recoveries across several states.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa commended the officers involved and urged continued efforts against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
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