NDLEA arrests 74-year-old man with 11kg cocaine hidden in pepper at Abuja airport

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, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items to the United Kingdom.

 

The septuagenarian was intercepted at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow Airport, London, on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

 

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the suspect claimed he was travelling to London for a vacation.

 

According to the agency, a search of Emeka’s luggage led to the discovery of blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil papers and balloons and hidden inside food items, including ground dry pepper.

 

“A 74-year-old grandpa, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, has been arrested by operatives of the NDLEA at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered concealed in his luggage,” Babafemi said.

 

He explained that the drugs were carefully packaged in foil and balloons before being hidden inside the food items in an attempt to evade detection during airport screening.

 

The NDLEA said the suspect has been taken into custody while investigations into the attempted drug trafficking are ongoing.