The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Emmanuel Orjinze, a 48-year-old businessman, who allegedly ingested 111 wraps of cocaine.
Orjinze, who claimed to be a professional footballer in Europe, was detained on May 21 at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja during the outbound clearance for an Air France flight to Paris. Following his arrest, Orjinze excreted 1.603 kilograms of cocaine encapsulated in 111 pellets over several days while in custody.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi revealed that a body scan indicated Orjinze had ingested illicit substances. Orjinze, who also operates in the maritime sector, sought engagement with European football clubs.
In a related operation, NDLEA officers dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos. Four members of the network were apprehended, and authorities seized 8 kilograms of methamphetamine and 7.6 kilograms of synthetic cannabis, “Loud,” imported from South Africa. The operation began on May 21 when an airport official was intercepted with two bags containing the drugs. This led to the arrest of two syndicate members, Chris Nwadozie and Chinedu Nwaosu, and another insider on May 25.
Additionally, at the NAHCO export shed of Lagos airport, freight agent Sonubi Mariam Abiodun was arrested on May 22 for attempting to ship 2 kilograms of cocaine concealed in shea butter containers to the United Kingdom.
Elsewhere in Lagos, NDLEA officers arrested Odumegwu Obijofor at Igbo Elerin, Ojo Local Government Area, for producing and distributing “skuchies,” a mixture of black currant and illicit drugs. Authorities seized 2,480 liters of the new psychoactive substance from his clandestine factory.
In Cross River State, Ogar Emmanuel was arrested with 2.5 kilograms of cannabis at Ukpada Utugwan village. Additionally, 290 kilograms of cannabis were seized from a warehouse belonging to a suspect, Usani Ikpi, who remains at large.
In Katsina State, NDLEA operatives arrested Sa’adu Sule, Mukhtar Nura, and Hamza Nura in Jabiri Funtua with 70 kilograms of cannabis.
In Abuja, five individuals were arrested during raids at Karu Abattoir, Jikwoyi, and Tora Bora hill, resulting in the seizure of 95.01 kilograms of cannabis and various opioids.
In Edo State, a physically challenged drug dealer, Zekere Sufianu, was arrested in Auchi town with 751 grams of Loud, 178 grams of tramadol, and swinol pills.