Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while trying to board an international flight at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The suspect, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was apprehended on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the airport's departure hall as he prepared to board British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport in London, United Kingdom.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, who disclosed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the elderly man claimed he was traveling to the UK for a vacation.
During a thorough search of his luggage, NDLEA operatives discovered multiple blocks of cocaine carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons, hidden inside food items including ground dry pepper.
“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered in foil papers and balloons concealed in his luggage,” Babafemi stated.
He added: “The septuagenarian, who claimed he was travelling to London, United Kingdom, for vacation, was arrested at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
"During a search of his luggage, blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms were discovered concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper, carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons.”
The arrest forms part of the NDLEA's intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking through Nigerian airports and other entry/exit points.
The agency has reported several similar seizures and arrests in recent operations across the country.
The suspect is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing to uncover any potential networks or accomplices involved in the attempted smuggling.
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