Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 41-year-old businessman, Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, for allegedly importing 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed in shirts and towels from Brazil into Nigeria.
Abugu, who is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, upon his arrival from Brazil via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on Thursday, June 11, 2026.
According to the NDLEA, a thorough search of his luggage led to the discovery of 14 shirts and towels that had been soaked in liquid cocaine, dried and carefully ironed to evade detection.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had lived in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant. He said he travelled to Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase food items in bulk for his business in Brazil.
In a related development, the agency also arrested two persons living with disabilities over their alleged involvement in illicit drug trafficking in Abia and Rivers states.
One of the suspects, 60-year-old Chidimma Sunday, was apprehended with 1.8 kilograms of skunk by members of the Umuosu Vigilante Group in Umuna Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. She was subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives on Wednesday, June 10.
Similarly, 28-year-old Abubakar Usman was arrested at Rumuokoro in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, during an NDLEA raid conducted on Tuesday, June 9. Officers reportedly recovered 400 grams of skunk, five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, five grams of swinol and 18 grams of diazepam from him.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to combat drug trafficking and abuse across the country.