A 59-year-old businessman, Ezeokoli Sylva, has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport for drug trafficking. The suspect, who returned from Sao Paulo, Brazil, via an Ethiopian Airlines flight through Addis Ababa, was apprehended on Friday, November 29, 2024.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Sunday. According to Babafemi, a body scan revealed that Sylva had ingested foreign substances, leading to his placement under excretion observation. Over time, he expelled 29 wraps of cocaine, weighing 700 grams.
Babafemi detailed that Sylva, who had lived in Brazil for 35 years, claimed he operated an African store selling provisions, shoes, and clothes. Sylva admitted he purchased the cocaine in Sao Paulo with plans to resell it in Nigeria, aiming to generate capital to expand his business.
The NDLEA has also reported other significant drug seizures and arrests in recent days:
– Lagos: On November 26, NDLEA officers intercepted two packages bound for the United Kingdom. One contained 200 grams of cocaine concealed in local fabrics, while the other held 40 ampoules of pentazocine injection weighing 110 grams.
– Kano: On November 28, operatives arrested three suspects, Jamilu Adamu (38), Umar Musa (32), and Bunu Ali (27), with 2,000 ampoules of pentazocine injection and over 3.1 million pills of Exol-5 at Gadar Tamburawa, along Zaria Road.
– Lagos (Ilesan Beach): On the same day, NDLEA seized 2,120 kilograms of “Ghanaian Loud,” a potent cannabis strain, and arrested a suspect, Onibogi Muftau. Four vehicles intended to transport the shipment were also confiscated. Another 472 kilograms of cannabis were seized on November 25 at Idi-Iroko in Ogun State.
– Edo: On November 28, two suspects, Monday Onyenemue (60) and Evans Omogiede (42), were arrested in Benin City with 185.6 kilograms of cannabis. A Toyota Previa vehicle used to transport the drugs was also impounded.
The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts to curb drug trafficking in Nigeria. These operations highlight the scale and sophistication of drug smuggling networks targeting the country. Authorities are urging citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to aid in the fight against drug-related crimes.
