Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 44-year-old businessman, Ezemokwe Chukwuebuka Christian, at the Port Harcourt International Airport for attempting to smuggle 53 wraps of cocaine to Iran.
Femi Babafemi, Director, Media & Advocacy for the commission made this known in a statement.
He said Ezemokwe was apprehended on Saturday, June 7, while boarding Qatar Airways flight QR1434 to Tehran via Doha. A body scan revealed he had ingested illicit drugs, and under observation, he excreted 53 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.172kg. The suspect confessed to engaging in the drug trade for two years, shuttling between West Africa and Iran.
Meanwhile, a major seizure was recorded at the Port Harcourt Ports, Onne, where NDLEA operatives, working with Customs and other agencies, intercepted a container carrying 157,800 bottles of codeine syrup concealed behind ceramic sanitary wares. The street value of the consignment is estimated at over ₦1.1 billion.
Commending the agency’s efforts, NDLEA Chairman/CEO, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers for their continued success in disrupting both drug supply and demand across Nigeria.