Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 30-year-old Italy-based businessman, Joseph Cyril, for ingesting 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilogrammes at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu State.

Cyril was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during the outward clearance of passengers aboard Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930, which was scheduled to depart Enugu for Italy through Addis Ababa and France.

According to a statement issued on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA director of media and advocacy, the suspect was subsequently placed under excretion observation, during which he expelled all 98 wraps of cocaine from his body.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Cyril, who had been based in Italy and engaged in business for several years, arrived in Nigeria on July 13, 2026.

The agency said he allegedly ingested the drug in a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight back to Europe.

In his statement, the suspect reportedly admitted agreeing to traffic the consignment for €3,500, saying he intended to use the money to raise funds to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.

The NDLEA said the arrest was part of a series of drug interdiction operations carried out across the country, particularly at airports, courier companies and major highways.

In Lagos, operatives attached to a courier company thwarted an attempt by suspected drug traffickers to export 1.2kg of cocaine concealed inside 25 phone chargers to Saudi Arabia.

The agency also intercepted another 500 grammes of cocaine hidden in the false bottom of a backpack at a different logistics company in Lagos on Monday, August 3. The consignment was reportedly destined for Italy.

A day later, on Tuesday, August 4, NDLEA operatives intercepted 2.3kg of Loud, a potent strain of cannabis, imported from the United States through another shipping company in Lagos.

Meanwhile, two suspected drug traffickers were arrested along the Akure-Ilesha Expressway after NDLEA officers intercepted a truck allegedly conveying 1,633kg of skunk concealed in bags of rice shafts.

The suspects, identified as 40-year-old Buba Jamilu and 30-year-old Sanusi Ibrahim, were arrested while allegedly transporting the consignment to the northern part of the country.

The agency also reported the recovery of 147kg of skunk from the Ita Ogbolu forest during a raid conducted on Monday, August 3.