The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old businessman, Nwankwo Onyebuchi, with 1.550kg of cocaine concealed in the walls and railings of his luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. The suspect was caught at the departure hall of Terminal II while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi, India.
Confession and Background
According to the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a search of the suspect's check-in bag uncovered the cocaine factory-fitted into its walls and railings. Onyebuchi, who deals in marbles in Lagos, reportedly confessed that he had sold his marble business and other assets to raise N23 million to purchase the consignment, which he expected to sell in India for up to N100 million.
“In a candid confession that lays bare the desperation that fuels the drug trade, Nwankwo said he had sold off his marble business and every asset he owned to raise the N23m he paid for the consignment, with the expectation of selling it in India for as much as N100m,” Babafemi said. He added that the suspect remained in custody awaiting prosecution.
Other Major Seizures
In a separate operation, NDLEA operatives acting on credible intelligence raided a warehouse within a residential compound at 20 Hakeem Dosumu Street, Ago Palace area of Okota, Lagos. There, they discovered a massive stockpile of codeine-based syrup. A total of 3,776 cartons, comprising 377,600 bottles of the controlled substance, valued at over N2.6 billion, were recovered between Friday, 7th, and Saturday, 8th August 2026.
In yet another intelligence-led operation, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, 14th August, raided the residence of a 55-year-old kingpin, Shoremi Kayode, at 37 Ogundare Street, Ipaja Estate, Ipaja area of Lagos. They recovered 324 kilograms of Colorado, a synthetic strain of cannabis, with a street value of N972,000,000. Also recovered from the suspect were a Mercedes-Benz car and a Toyota Corolla car.
Impact and Next Steps
These operations highlight the NDLEA's ongoing efforts to curb drug trafficking and distribution in Lagos. The suspects involved remain in custody, and the agency continues its investigations, with prosecutions expected to follow. The seizures represent a significant blow to drug networks operating in the region.
