The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old businessman, Philip Tunde, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 4.8 kilogrammes of cocaine to Italy through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The suspect 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.

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, October 4.

According to Babafemi, operatives recovered 16 parcels of cocaine concealed in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, alongside 195 wraps hidden in the railings of four travelling bags.

The substances tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 4.8 kilogrammes.During interrogation, Tunde reportedly claimed that he paid N16 million in cash for the cocaine hidden in the shoes, while the consignment concealed in the travelling bags was intended for delivery to his partner in Italy.

He also claimed that the money was obtained from compensation paid to him after sustaining an injury while working at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, where he lost the tips of two fingers.

In a related development, the agency intercepted consignments of cannabis, popularly known as Loud, and codeine-based cough syrup worth over N5 billion at the Apapa, Tincan Island and Onne seaports.

In Lagos, operatives recovered 209,000 tablets of tramadol from an unoccupied compound at Divine Estate, Ago Palace, on September 28.

The agency also announced the arrest of 47-year-old Idris Mohammed Kurra, a fugitive who allegedly jumped bail six years ago.Kurra was facing trial at the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State, over alleged possession of and dealing in 198 kilogrammes of skunk.

He reportedly jumped bail granted in December 2020 and remained at large until his arrest on September 29, 2026.

Meanwhile, NDLEA commands across the country continued their War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.

The outreach activities included lectures at St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oji, Enugu; Olu-Odo Primary School, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos; Government Junior Secondary School, Tsamiya, Kano; Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti; and Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi State, among others.

Commending officers and men of the affected commands, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), urged personnel to sustain the fight against drug trafficking networks.