NDLEA Intercepts 74-Year-Old Man With Cocaine Hidden in Pepper at Abuja Airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 74-year-old man for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The suspect was intercepted while preparing to board an international flight to the United Kingdom, in what authorities described as another major breakthrough in Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.
The suspect, identified as Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was apprehended by NDLEA operatives during routine security screening at the departure hall of Abuja’s international airport. According to the agency, the elderly traveler was scheduled to board a British Airways flight to London Heathrow Airport when officials discovered suspicious items in his luggage.
Upon conducting a detailed inspection, NDLEA officers reportedly uncovered several packages of cocaine concealed inside food items, particularly ground dry pepper.
Investigations revealed that the cocaine had been carefully packaged in foil wraps and balloons before being hidden within bags of ground pepper. Authorities believe the method was designed to mask the scent of the drugs and avoid detection during airport security checks.
NDLEA officials confirmed that a total of 11 kilograms of cocaine was recovered from the suspect’s luggage. The seized narcotics are believed to be worth a substantial amount on the international drug market, where cocaine commands a high price in Europe and other regions.
The suspect was reportedly attempting to transport the drugs from Nigeria to the United Kingdom. NDLEA sources said he had already completed check-in procedures and was preparing to board the flight before operatives intercepted him.
Following the discovery, the suspect was immediately taken into custody for further interrogation and investigation.
In a statement, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest and emphasized that the agency remains committed to preventing illicit drugs from passing through Nigeria’s airports.
He noted that the agency has intensified surveillance and intelligence operations across the country to dismantle drug trafficking networks that use Nigeria as a transit route for narcotics.
Security experts say traffickers are increasingly adopting sophisticated concealment techniques, including hiding drugs in food products, luggage linings, and household items. In some cases, criminal networks recruit vulnerable individuals, including elderly citizens, to transport narcotics across internationals .
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and the evolving tactics used by criminal organizations.
The arrest is part of a broader NDLEA crackdown on drug trafficking across Nigeria. In recent months, the agency has recorded multiple arrests and seizures involving cocaine, cannabis, and synthetic drugs at airports, seaports, and land borders.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a wider international drug trafficking syndicate.
If convicted, the suspect could face severe penalties under Nigeria’s drug control laws.