The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman, Joseph Cyril, after he allegedly ingested 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilogrammes while attempting to leave Nigeria.
Cyril was arrested on August 2, 2026, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, during passenger clearance for Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930.
He was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which the 98 wraps were recovered, the agency said.
The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, August 9.
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Babafemi said investigation revealed that Cyril arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13 and allegedly swallowed the cocaine at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu.
The suspect reportedly admitted agreeing to transport the consignment for €3,500, saying he needed the money to finance his relocation to Germany, where his family lives.
The case is similar to a November 2024 incident at the same airport, when NDLEA operatives arrested businessman Osuoha Christian Iheanacho after he allegedly ingested 90 wraps of cocaine weighing 2.019kg.
The agency said Iheanacho had travelled through Cameroon and Ethiopia and was placed under intelligence surveillance for about three months before his arrest.
The latest arrest adds to the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit drug trafficking through airports, logistics networks and major transportation routes.