CurrentReport Blog The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a businessman, Olisaka Chibuzo Calistus, for attempting to smuggle 256 wraps of cocaine weighing 6 kilograms into Nigeria. The arrest, which marked the largest cocaine seizure at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) since 2006, occurred on Sunday, December 15, 2024, during the inward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, via Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Details of the Cocaine Bust
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, Olisaka, who claims to be an importer and exporter, was subjected to body screening, revealing that he had concealed the cocaine pellets on his body.
“This seizure is the single largest interception of cocaine at the Kano airport since the creation of the MAKIA Command of NDLEA in 2006,” Babafemi said.
Other Drug Trafficking Cases Foiled
In a separate operation, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos foiled a drug export attempt by an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Bada Akorede. Olanrewaju was caught trying to ship Rohypnol concealed in a cargo containing gari, shoes, and clothing to South Africa.
This is not Olanrewaju’s first offense. He was previously convicted on December 12, 2023, for attempting to export 4.90kg of tramadol and 2.10kg of Rohypnol. Although sentenced to two years in prison, he paid a fine of ₦900,000 and was released, only to return to drug trafficking.
Additionally, NDLEA intercepted an Italy-based businesswoman, Cynthia Akaeen, on December 18, 2024, at Lagos airport while attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Italy. Officers discovered 9,190 tramadol tablets weighing 6 kilograms in her luggage. Cynthia admitted she was promised €1,000 for successfully delivering the consignment.
NDLEA’s Continued Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to combating drug trafficking and bringing offenders to justice. These arrests highlight the agency’s vigilance in preventing the smuggling of illegal substances into and out of Nigeria.
