Joseph Cyril, a 30-year-old businessman living in Italy, was taken into custody by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, reported that Cyril was detained while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight. After being kept under observation, the suspect passed 98 wraps of cocaine totaling 1.510kg.
Cyril admitted that he had traveled to Nigeria from Italy in mid-July. He consumed the illicit cargo at an Awka hotel with the intention of smuggling it to Germany, hoping to earn €3,500 to fund his family’s relocation. Beyond this arrest, the NDLEA carried out numerous drug seizures nationwide. Operations in Lagos stopped shipments of cocaine hidden in phone chargers and backpacks destined for Saudi Arabia and Italy, alongside a cache of synthetic cannabis imported from the United States.
Law enforcement officials also executed successful raids in Ondo, Oyo, Edo, and Abia states, recovering large quantities of skunk and arresting several suspects. Notably, a significant amount of cannabis-infused edibles was seized from a 40-foot container at the Tincan Port Complex. Additionally, the agency continues its nationwide awareness campaign, the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), which targets schools and community centers. Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd.), the NDLEA Chairman, praised the personnel involved in these operations and encouraged continued vigilance in drug control efforts.
