Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a notorious drug trafficker, previously convicted for a major methamphetamine offence, in connection with a new cocaine shipment bound for the United Kingdom.
Starch Sachets Conceal UK-Bound Cocaine Consignment
The agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed in a statement on Saturday, 28th December 2025, that the arrest followed the interception of a consignment at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. The illicit drugs, weighing 1.50 kilograms, were cleverly concealed inside 75 parcels of cocaine hidden within factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch.
Mastermind Unraveled After Swift Arrest of Accomplices
According to the statement, the operation began on Saturday, 20th December 2025, when NDLEA officers swiftly arrested three cargo agents involved in the attempt to export the consignment. The agents were identified as Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane.
Further investigations from this initial bust led operatives to the mastermind behind the operation: 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil. He was tracked down and arrested in a follow-up operation on Sunday, 21st December, at a popular relaxation centre in Ikeja, where he was on a date with his girlfriend.
A Notorious Trafficker with a Criminal Past
The agency's criminal database revealed that Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil is a repeat offender. He had been arrested earlier in May 2023 in connection with the seizure of 30.10kg of methamphetamine. On that occasion, the drugs were concealed in powdered custard containers within a consolidated cargo also destined for London, UK, at the same airport export shed.
He was subsequently arraigned at the Federal High Court in Lagos under charge number FHC/L/337C/2023. The court convicted and sentenced him to five years imprisonment with an option of a fine of Seven Million Naira (N7,000,000.00), along with one-month community service, effective from 4th December 2023.
"He paid the fine and soon after returned to the same crime," Babafemi stated, highlighting the suspect's quick return to illicit drug trafficking after evading jail time.
The latest arrest underscores the persistent efforts of the NDLEA and the audacious methods employed by drug cartels, who continuously devise new concealment techniques to beat the system. It also raises questions about the deterrent effect of penalties for serious drug offences when convicts can avoid prison through monetary fines.
