By James Twins l Date: June 28, 2026
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a 38-year-old businesswoman attempting to smuggle 7.5 kilograms of cocaine to China, while also uncovering an alleged criminal syndicate accused of secretly planting illicit drugs in the luggage of unsuspecting interstate passengers.
The arrests were disclosed on Sunday in a statement issued by the agency's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, who said the operations formed part of a series of coordinated nationwide efforts aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect, identified as Iwebema Ogechi Peace, was intercepted at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos, while preparing to board a Qatar Airways flight bound for Beijing, China.
Acting on intelligence, operatives conducted a detailed search of her checked luggage and allegedly discovered four large parcels of cocaine weighing a combined 7.5 kilograms, concealed inside a professionally constructed false compartment in the suitcase. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she regularly travelled to China to purchase goods for resale in Nigeria.
In a separate operation, the anti-drug agency said it dismantled a syndicate accused of planting illicit drugs inside the luggage of unsuspecting passengers travelling on commercial buses between Anambra State and the Federal Capital Territory.
The investigation began after NDLEA officers intercepted a Sienna bus travelling from Nnewi to Abuja. During a search, officers recovered a package containing approximately 467.7 grams of suspected methamphetamine, hidden inside a black nylon bag that had been placed within another passenger's sack of clothing.
The intended recipient, identified as Gloria Peter, was arrested at Utako Motor Park in Abuja but denied ownership or knowledge of the package. Her denial prompted investigators to widen the investigation, leading to the arrest of loaders at the Nnewi motor park. One of the suspects allegedly confessed that the drugs had been inserted into the woman's luggage on the instructions of the bus driver, Abdurrazak Isah.
Further investigations reportedly led the driver to identify another passenger, Onyebuchi Victor Okoye, as the alleged owner of the narcotics. He was subsequently arrested during a follow-up operation.
The NDLEA also announced the arrest of two nationals of the Republic of Benin—Hossou Tito Julien and Mancellim Dossou—alongside Nigerian suspect Jackson ThankGod, after operatives intercepted a truck transporting 558,900 pills of Tramadol 250mg allegedly concealed inside a specially fabricated compartment. The shipment was reportedly being moved from Togo through the Benin Republic into Nigeria before it was intercepted on Mile 2 Bridge in Lagos.
In another enforcement operation, officers arrested Ikechukwu Uwakwe, 57, at Iddo Motor Park in Lagos while allegedly attempting to transport 209.5 kilograms of Scottish Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, to Enugu State.
Similarly, Lucky Abonga and Osas Azamobo were apprehended along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after officers allegedly recovered 118 kilograms of skunk concealed among legitimate cargo inside a truck travelling from Lagos to Onitsha.
The agency further disclosed that Helen Ese Idiji, 40, and Rashidat Sa'adullah, 53, were arrested at a residence in the Amukoko area of Lagos, where operatives allegedly recovered 28.8 kilograms of skunk. Investigators believe the residence served as a storage point before the drugs were distributed to customers.
Commending officers involved in the various operations, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, praised their continued efforts in disrupting drug trafficking networks across the country. He urged operatives to sustain the agency's dual approach of aggressive drug enforcement and public awareness campaigns aimed at reducing drug abuse.
Analysis
The latest operations highlight the NDLEA's intensified intelligence-driven strategy against both international drug trafficking and domestic distribution networks. Beyond intercepting narcotics at airports and ports, the agency's investigation into an alleged syndicate planting drugs in passengers' luggage exposes a sophisticated criminal tactic that could endanger innocent travellers and complicate criminal investigations.
The arrests also demonstrate the growing complexity of transnational drug trafficking routes involving airports, seaports, and interstate transport systems. As traffickers continue to adopt more elaborate concealment methods, the success of intelligence-led investigations and inter-agency collaboration will remain critical to Nigeria's efforts to combat organised drug crime.
While the suspects have been arrested and investigations are ongoing, the allegations against them remain subject to judicial determination in accordance with Nigerian law.