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A 38 year old businessman, identified as Philip Tunde, has been arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos over an alleged attempt to smuggle 4.8 kilogrammes of cocaine to Milan, Italy. He was reportedly intercepted at the airport’s Terminal Two while preparing to board a flight to Italy.
Investigators reportedly discovered the suspected narcotics during a search of his luggage. Sixteen parcels were allegedly concealed inside the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, while another 195 wraps were hidden within the railings of four travelling bags. The recovered substances subsequently tested positive for cocaine.
During questioning, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he paid 16 million naira for the cocaine concealed in the shoes. He also reportedly claimed that the consignment hidden in the travelling bags was intended for a business associate in Italy. These allegations have not been independently established in court.
The arrest comes amid a wider crackdown on illicit drug trafficking, with authorities also reporting major seizures of cannabis products and codeine-based syrup at seaports in Lagos and Rivers State. The combined value of some of the intercepted consignments was put at more than five billion naira.
The anti-narcotics agency says its operations are aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks and preventing prohibited substances from being moved through Nigeria’s airports and seaports. Investigations into the airport arrest and other seizures are continuing.
