In a startling development, Chijioke Nnanna Igbokwe, a 59-year-old businessman, was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on January 26, 2025. Igbokwe was caught attempting to smuggle 81 wraps of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.943 kilograms, which he had swallowed in an attempt to evade detection. The cocaine was concealed in his stomach, and the wraps were discovered through a body scan.
Following his arrest, Igbokwe was immediately taken to the hospital, where it was determined that the ingested drugs were causing him severe health complications. On January 30, 2025, he underwent an emergency surgery to remove 57 of the 81 cocaine pellets. The remaining 24 pellets were expected to pass naturally. This surgical intervention highlights the serious health risks associated with ingesting illicit substances and the lengths individuals go to in order to smuggle drugs across borders.
Igbokwe’s arrest is part of the ongoing efforts by the NDLEA to curb drug trafficking in Nigeria. The agency has been intensifying its operations, particularly at international airports, to catch individuals attempting to smuggle drugs into or out of the country. This arrest follows a major drug seizure in September 2024, when the NDLEA intercepted 19.4 kilograms of cocaine at the Lagos airport, valued at approximately $2.93 million.
Drug trafficking remains a significant issue in Nigeria, with the country being both a source and transit point for illegal narcotics. The NDLEA is continuing to monitor air and sea ports, as well as land borders, to prevent drug cartels from using Nigeria as a route for international distribution. The agency is also increasing public awareness about the dangers of drug trafficking and its impact on public health and security.
This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangerous tactics employed by drug traffickers and the critical need for ongoing vigilance and enforcement at all levels. The NDLEA’s proactive actions are a crucial part of the fight against drug abuse and trafficking, aiming to protect both individuals and communities from the harmful effects of illegal drugs.
