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NDLEA Nabs 74-Year-Old With 11kg Cocaine Hidden in Pepper at Abuja Airport

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 15th, 2026.

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle a large quantity of cocaine concealed in food items while preparing to travel to the United Kingdom.

According to a statement issued by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was intercepted at the airport’s departure hall on Saturday while trying to board a British Airways flight bound for London’s Heathrow Airport.

NDLEA operatives reportedly discovered about 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden in Emeka’s luggage during routine checks. The illicit substance, according to the agency, had been carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons before being concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper.

Babafemi explained that the suspect claimed he was travelling to the United Kingdom for a vacation when he was stopped for inspection.

“During the search of his luggage, officers discovered blocks of cocaine weighing 11 kilograms concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper. The drugs were wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” Babafemi said in the statement.

The arrest, which has been reported by several Nigerian news platforms including The Punch and The Nation, is part of the NDLEA’s continuing efforts to curb international drug trafficking through Nigerian airports and borders.

Security analysts say traffickers increasingly attempt to disguise narcotics inside everyday items to evade detection. However, airport screening technologies and intelligence-led operations have enabled authorities to intercept many such attempts in recent years.

NDLEA officials said the suspect is currently in custody while further investigations are ongoing to determine possible accomplices and the wider network behind the attempted smuggling operation.

The agency has repeatedly warned that it will intensify surveillance and enforcement measures at airports across the country as part of its broader campaign against narcotics trafficking.

Officials also urged members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the fight against illicit drug trade, which authorities say continues to threaten public health and national security.