Three arrested as NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cocaine consignment hidden inside cream containers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has uncovered a UK-bound cocaine consignment concealed in body cream containers at the Lagos International Airport.

The anti-drug agency said the consignment, weighing 3.60 kilograms, was discovered on October 14 “during examination of cargoes packaged as personal effects going to London, UK on an Air Peace flight”.

In a statement on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said Lawal Mustapha Olakunle, a cargo agent, was arrested for allegedly presenting the consignment for airfreight.

Babafemi said Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah, a female healthcare worker, and Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the chief executive officer of Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, a travel agency, were arrested over the consignment.

“A cargo agent Lawal Mustapha Olakunle who presented the consignment for airfreight was promptly arrested while investigations stretching into two weeks led to the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the attempt to export the concealed Class A drug to the UK,” the statement reads.

“In a follow up operation on 18th October, a female healthcare worker Ogunmuyide Taiwo Deborah was arrested following which Mutiu Adebayo Adebiyi, the Chief Executive Officer of a travel agency, Mutiu Adebiyi & Co, was arrested at his 23 Ladoke Akintola Street, Ikeja GRA Lagos office on Monday 20th October.”

The NDLEA spokesperson said the agency also arrested Lemena Mark, a 35-year-old Lesotho national, who was allegedly attempting to export methamphetamine to Philippines from Enugu airport.

Babafemi also announced other arrests, including the discovery of 21,950 capsules of tramadol 250mg from one Umar Abubakar in Kwara state.

“In Ikorodu area of Lagos, NDLEA officers on Thursday 23rd October raided the home of a suspect Ogunyabo Adenigbigbe at Solomade estate where 275 litres of skuchies, a new psychoactive substance produced with black currant drink, cannabis and opioids, were recovered,” the NDLEA spokesperson said.

“A 75-year-old grandpa Echendu Onuoka was on Wednesday 22nd October arrested at Ovum village, Obingwa LGA, Abia state with 4.7kg skunk seized from him while a 60-year-old grandma Aukana John was nabbed with 225 grams of same substance at Apanta village, in the same LGA.”