The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and intercepted a series of concealed drug consignments hidden in unusual items including vehicle side mirrors, lipsticks, and footwear in a string of coordinated operations across Lagos, Abuja, and other states.
According to a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, on July 19, intercepted a consignment bound for Libreville, Gabon. The cargo contained 57,420 pills of tramadol (225mg) and 57 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.60kg, ingeniously concealed within 71 vehicle side mirrors.
The seizure led to the arrest of cargo agent Ihekweme Osinachi Benedict. A follow-up operation by the NDLEA resulted in the arrest of Uzochukwu Godspower Chukwurah, at whose residence operatives recovered an additional 11 parcels of cocaine weighing 1kg.
The combined cocaine haul amounted to 2.60kg across 68 parcels.
The NDLEA stated that investigations are ongoing, and the operations highlight the agency’s continued commitment to intercepting drug trafficking using innovative concealment methods.
