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NDLEA intercepts illicit drugs hidden in winter jackets, body cream at Lagos airport
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Suspect arrested with 2,698 tramadol pills on Italy-bound flight
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Agency uncovers trafficking network using courier firms, concealment methods
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency( NDLEA) has foiled multiple attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to smuggle illicit substances concealed in unusual items, including winter jackets, carton walls, and body cream containers.
The agency disclosed that the interceptions were made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport and through a Lagos-based courier firm, leading to the arrest of suspects linked to the consignments.
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According to the agency’s spokesman, Femi Babafemi, two shipments bound for Italy were intercepted at the airport.
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He stated, “Two of the consignments heading to Italy were to be moved through the Lagos airport, where two suspects linked to the shipments were promptly arrested.”
Babafemi further revealed that one of the suspects, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was apprehended on March 20 while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Rome.
He said, “One of them, 37-year-old Friday Ehianuka, was going to Rome, Italy, on Friday, March 20, 2026, when he was intercepted while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight with 2,698 pills of tramadol 225mg concealed in containers of skin-lightening body cream, all packed in the suspect’s luggage.”
The NDLEA spokesman added that the suspect, who resides in Milan, admitted he was promised payment in Euros upon successful delivery of the drugs.
“In his statement, Ehianuka, who is a resident of Milan, confirmed that he was to be paid a negotiated fee in Euros if he had succeeded in trafficking the consignment to Italy,” Babafemi said.
The agency reiterated its commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and strengthening surveillance at key transit points across the country.