By By Elizabeth Ugbo
LAGOS, Nigeria – Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek, after discovering 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside fake plantain peels at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The suspect, a UK-based caregiver, attempted to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London on Sunday, June 28, 2026, when officers intercepted her luggage during a routine search. Investigators recovered 31 cocaine packages disguised as fresh plantain hands. During interrogation, Barek admitted ownership of the illicit drugs.
Cocaine Hidden Inside Fake Plantains
NDLEA officers uncovered the sophisticated concealment method while screening passengers at the airport’s departure terminal.
The cocaine packages closely resembled real plantains and were packed among food items to evade detection. However, vigilant officers identified the suspicious items and recovered the narcotics.
The seized cocaine weighed a total of 13 kilograms, making it one of the latest significant airport interceptions.
NDLEA Dismantles International Cocaine Syndicate
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives uncovered another cocaine trafficking network linked to Malaysia.
On Monday, June 29, 2026, officers arrested 45-year-old Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, a PhD student at the University of Putra, Malaysia, in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.
Investigators connected him to 5.80 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside the walls of nine cartons of Orijin Bitters. The shipment formed part of a consolidated cargo destined for Kuala Lumpur.
Investigation Leads to Syndicate Leader
Before Onyeka’s arrest, NDLEA investigators apprehended four suspects in Lagos:
- Alalade Taiwo Azeez, a cargo agent
- Ndem Ogbonna Kelechi, the driver
- Okeke Tochukwu Chimezie, a trader at ASPANDA Market, Trade Fair Complex
- Igwilo Chidi Henry, who supplied the modified cartons
Investigations later identified Onyeka as the alleged leader of the trafficking syndicate. Officers tracked him to his hometown of Aziora, Ozubulu, in Anambra State, where they arrested him.
NDLEA Intercepts 43,980 Tramadol Capsules in Taraba
In another operation, NDLEA officers arrested Daniel Harrison Ugwuoke, 30, along the Zaki-Biam Road in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The suspect allegedly transported 43,980 Tramadol capsules concealed inside two vehicle fuel tanks while travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State.
The arrest followed credible intelligence received by the agency on Saturday, July 4, 2026.
Drug Raids Yield Methamphetamine and Cannabis Seizures
NDLEA also recorded major successes in Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe states.
In Kaduna, officers arrested Boniface Agu, 65, and Monday Nwaeze, 50, during a raid in Gwantu on Thursday, July 2. They allegedly possessed 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Similarly, operatives arrested Francis Ifara Eja, 65, in Ikwo, Ebonyi State, with 231.7 kilograms of skunk on Saturday, July 4.
In Plateau State, officers apprehended 75-year-old Alhaji Babani in Kurgwi, Qua’anpan Local Government Area, after recovering 15 kilograms of skunk on Friday, July 3.
Gombe Operation Recovers 556kg Cannabis
Furthermore, NDLEA operatives arrested Dahiru Mohammed, 65, and Isiya Lawan, 36, in Kuri village, Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The suspects allegedly possessed 587 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 556 kilograms.
The operation took place on Wednesday, July 1, following actionable intelligence.
NDLEA Expands Drug Abuse Awareness Campaign
Beyond enforcement, the agency intensified its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign across Nigeria.
During the week, NDLEA officers delivered anti-drug lectures at:
- Girls Secondary School, Abagana, Anambra State
- Government Technical College, Obe, Enugu State
- Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode, Ogun State
- FCE Staff Demonstration School, Kabuga, Kano State
The campaign targeted students, teachers, workplaces, worship centres and local communities.
Marwa Commends Officers
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised officers from the MMIA, Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe Commands.
He commended their commitment to reducing drug trafficking while sustaining public awareness through the WADA campaign. Marwa also urged officers nationwide to maintain high operational standards in the fight against illicit drugs.
