The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 25-year-old newlywed businessman at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu on Thursday, September 25, 2026, for allegedly attempting to traffic 72 wraps of cocaine to Portugal, according to an agency statement released on Sunday. The suspect, who had ingested the drugs, was intercepted in the departure hall while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal via Addis Ababa. NDLEA operatives confirmed he excreted all 72 wraps of the Class A illicit drug under observation after his arrest. The agency reported the suspect claimed he had previously operated a car decoration business in Lagos before relocating to Portugal in May 2023 and returning to Nigeria recently. He stated he resorted to the alleged trafficking to offset expenses from his wedding, which took place on September 13, 2026.
The suspect’s arrest highlights the agency’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking, though his motive—linked to personal financial strain from a recent marriage—underscores the complex socioeconomic factors driving illicit activities. NDLEA Chairman and CEO Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) commended operatives involved in the operation, emphasizing the agency’s balanced approach to drug control. The case also reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s fight against drug-related crimes, as the agency reported multiple seizures across the country during the same period, including 2.55 million opioid pills at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport and 262.5 kilograms of cannabis in Bauchi State.
In addition to the Enugu case, NDLEA operations in late September 2026 revealed a surge in drug-related activities. At Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport, officials seized 2,550,000 opioid pills imported from India and Bangladesh, while in Bauchi, two suspects were arrested with 300 cannabis blocks. In Edo State, officers destroyed two cannabis farms, and in Lagos, multiple arrests were made following raids targeting drug trafficking networks. These operations, part of the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiatives, included awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and religious institutions across several states.
The NDLEA’s actions underscore its commitment to disrupting drug supply chains, but the arrest of a newlywed individual for trafficking highlights the persistent risks of drug-related crimes even among those with no prior criminal records. The agency’s emphasis on public education and inter-agency collaboration remains critical in addressing both the demand and supply sides of the drug trade. As the WADA campaigns continue, the case of the Enugu suspect serves as a stark reminder of the personal and societal costs of drug trafficking in Nigeria.