Ex-Convict, Three Others Arrested as NDLEA Foils UK-Bound Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Sachets

Ex-Convict, Three Others Arrested as NDLEA Foils UK-Bound Cocaine Hidden in Liquid Starch Sachets

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a notorious drug trafficker, Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, alongside three cargo agents, over an attempt to export cocaine concealed in sachets of liquid starch to the United Kingdom.

The operation followed the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilogrammes at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The illicit consignment, packaged in factory-sealed cold-water starch sachets, was intercepted on Saturday, December 20, 2025.

Three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun and Igwe Chioma Jane — were immediately arrested. Further investigation later identified 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil as the mastermind behind the shipment. He was subsequently arrested on Sunday, December 21, at a relaxation centre in Ikeja.

NDLEA records revealed that Nwobodo is an ex-convict who was arrested in May 2023 over the export of 30.10kg of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers bound for London. He was convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment with an option of a ₦7 million fine, alongside one month of community service. After paying the fine, he reportedly returned to drug trafficking.

Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives intensified nationwide operations, recording major seizures and arrests across several states. In Ekiti State, operatives set ablaze tons of skunk and dismantled wooden warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, where 638kg of cannabis was also recovered.

In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1kg were recovered from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi Road on Monday, December 22.

In Cross River State, raids at Agoi-Ibami community, Yakurr Local Government Area, led to the arrest of three suspects — Freedom Jonah Akpama (27), David Itam David (30) and Nelson Arikpo Osam (26) — with a combined seizure of 908kg of skunk. Another suspect, Joy Oisamaye, 42, was arrested with 38kg of skunk along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway.

In Lagos, a female suspect, Ajoke Dauda, was arrested with 45.5kg of skunk on Christmas Day at Agbara along the Badagry Expressway, while another suspect, Oluwasegun Felix, was earlier nabbed with 18.5kg at Itoga, Badagry.

Two suspects, Emmanuel Danladi (39) and John Onoja (41), were arrested in Taraba State with 48kg of skunk, while in Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was intercepted along the Gombe–Biu Highway with large quantities of tramadol, pentazocine injections and other opioids.

The agency also arrested a 47-year-old businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, alias “Brown,” who was wanted in connection with the seizure of 26kg of “Loud” cannabis at the Tincan Seaport, Lagos. He was arrested in Apapa following a follow-up operation.

Across the country, NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation campaigns in schools, communities, workplaces and worship centres during the week.

Commending the officers involved, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their dedication and urged them to sustain vigilance throughout the festive season and beyond, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in the agency’s drug control efforts.