NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK

NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK

By: Michael Mike

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three accomplices after intercepting a consignment of cocaine concealed in sealed sachets of liquid starch meant for export to the United Kingdom through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

According to a statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi operatives of the agency uncovered 75 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.5 kilogrammes at the airport’s export shed.

He disclosed that three freight agents — Jubrin Hassana, Kuku Oluwasegun and Igwe Jane — were arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025, while processing the illicit cargo.

He noted that further investigation identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere as the coordinator of the shipment, stating that he was arrested the following day at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.

Babafemi said NDLEA records showed that Nwobodo was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.1 kilogrammes of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers and destined for the UK.

He was then sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, which he paid before resuming drug trafficking activities.

In separate operations across the country, NDLEA operatives recorded major seizures of cannabis and other illicit substances. In Ekiti State, officers dismantled cannabis warehouses in the Ara forest and recovered 638 kilogrammes of skunk. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilogrammes were intercepted from three vehicles along the Igara–Auchi road.

In Cross River State, raids in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects with a combined seizure of more than 900 kilogrammes of skunk. Another suspect, a woman, was arrested along the Abaji–Abuja expressway with 38 kilogrammes of the substance while travelling from Edo State.

In Lagos State, multiple arrests were recorded, including the seizure of over 60 kilogrammes of skunk from two suspects in the Badagry and Agbara areas. In Taraba State, two men were apprehended in Takum with 48 kilogrammes of cannabis, while in Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver was arrested along the Gombe–Biu highway with large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids destined for Borno State.

Babafemi also confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, alias “Brown,” who was wanted in connection with the seizure of 26 kilogrammes of “Loud,” a potent strain of cannabis, earlier intercepted at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos.

NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns nationwide, engaging students, teachers, worshippers and community members in states including Anambra, Katsina and Kogi.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), while commending the officers involved in the operations,, praised their commitment and urged personnel across all commands to remain vigilant and uphold professionalism during the festive season and beyond.

NDLEA Nabs Ex-Convict, Three Others Over Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Bound for UK