NDLEA Arrests Brazil-Based Businessman Over 6.1kg Liquid Cocaine Hidden in Clothing, Detains Two Others in Drug Operations
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a Nigeria-born businessman based in São Paulo, Brazil, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 6.10 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed in clothing items into the country.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Abugu Oliver Ikechukwu, was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, after arriving from Brazil through Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, aboard an Ethiopian Airlines flight on June 11, 2026.
According to the anti-narcotics agency, a detailed inspection of his luggage uncovered 14 shirts and towels that had been soaked in liquid cocaine, dried, and carefully ironed to avoid detection.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly told investigators that he had resided in Brazil for over 14 years, where he operates an African restaurant. He said he travelled to Nigeria to visit his wife and purchase food supplies for his business.
In separate operations, the agency also arrested two persons living with disabilities over alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities in Abia and Rivers states.
One of the suspects, 60-year-old Chidimma Sunday, was reportedly caught with 1.8 kilograms of skunk by members of the Umuosu Vigilante Group in Umuna Autonomous Community, Isialangwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. She was subsequently handed over to NDLEA operatives on June 10.
Similarly, 28-year-old Abubakar Usman was arrested during a raid in the Rumuokoro area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Security operatives recovered 400 grams of skunk, five grams of methamphetamine, 100 grams of tramadol, five grams of swinol, and 18 grams of diazepam from the suspect.
The NDLEA said investigations into the cases are ongoing as efforts continue to curb illicit drug trafficking across the country.If intended for publication, a shorter headline could be:
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