Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
The suspect, described as a UK-bound grandfather, was apprehended on March 14, 2026, while trying to board a flight to London Heathrow Airport in London.
According to the agency, a large quantity of cocaine was discovered wrapped in foil papers and balloons, concealed inside his luggage and hidden among food items.
NDLEA officials said the drugs were packaged in foil-wrapped parcels carefully tucked into the food items in an attempt to evade airport security checks.
A field test conducted during the search confirmed the substance as cocaine.
Video footage released by the agency shows NDLEA officers displaying the seized drugs, while the suspect held a signboard containing his personal details. Authorities said he is from Imo State.
The agency added that investigations are ongoing to uncover possible links to a wider drug trafficking network, noting that the arrest forms part of a series of recent drug busts at Nigerian airports.
NDLEA has continued to intensify efforts to combat drug trafficking and smuggling operations across the country’s borders and aviation hubs.
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