By our Reporter
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Nigeria-born businessman based in São Paulo, Brazil, for allegedly attempting to smuggle liquid cocaine concealed in clothing into the country.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspect, identified as Abugu Ikechukwu, 41, was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, after arriving from Brazil through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11.
According to the agency, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 14 towels and shirts allegedly impregnated with 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine.
Babafemi said the illicit substance had been concealed within the fabric materials, which were recovered during routine checks by anti-narcotics officers at the airport.
During interrogation, Ikechukwu reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for more than 14 years, where he runs an African restaurant. He claimed he travelled to Nigeria to visit his family and purchase food items in bulk for his business abroad.
The NDLEA said investigations into the case are ongoing as authorities work to determine the source and intended destination of the seized narcotics.
