Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old businessman, identified as Philip Tunde, over the alleged possession of 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Tunde was arrested on September 27, 2026, at the joint screening point of Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.
According to the NDLEA, a search of his luggage led to the discovery of 16 parcels of cocaine concealed in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes. Another 195 wraps of the substance were allegedly hidden inside the railings of four travelling bags. The substance subsequently tested positive for cocaine.
During questioning, the suspect reportedly told NDLEA operatives that he paid ₦16 million in cash for the cocaine concealed in the shoes, while the consignment hidden in the travelling bags was intended for delivery to a partner in Italy.
He reportedly said the money used for the purchase came from compensation he received after sustaining an injury while working at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, where he lost the tips of two fingers.
The arrest formed part of a wider series of operations by the NDLEA, which also resulted in major drug seizures at ports in Lagos and Rivers. The agency said its operatives intercepted various consignments, including cannabis and codeine-based cough syrup, in separate operations.
The NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operations and called for sustained efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks across the country.
