The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman after operatives uncovered 13 kilograms of cocaine ingeniously concealed inside fake plantain peels packed among food items in her luggage at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The suspect, a caregiver based in the United Kingdom, was apprehended at the departure hall of Terminal 2 while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London on June 28, 2026.
According to the agency, in a statement on Sunday, a detailed search of her luggage led to the recovery of 31 large wraps of cocaine, carefully packaged to resemble hands of plantain, with a combined weight of 13 kilograms.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted ownership of the illicit consignment.
In another operation, NDLEA operatives dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate linked to a shipment destined for Kuala Lumpur, arresting a 45-year-old PhD student at the University of Putra Malaysia in Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
His arrest followed the interception of 36 parcels of cocaine weighing 5.8 kilograms, concealed inside the walls of nine cartons of Orijin Bitters intended for export to Malaysia.
Investigators had earlier arrested four suspects in Lagos during the investigation. They include a cargo agent, a driver, a trader who handed over the consignment, and Igwilo Chidi Henry, accused of supplying the cartons used to conceal the cocaine.
The agency said intelligence gathered from the suspects eventually led operatives to Onyeka, who was arrested while hiding in his hometown of Aziora, Ozubulu, in Anambra State. NDLEA identified him as the alleged leader of the trafficking syndicate.
Credit: channelstv.com
