Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a previously convicted drug trafficker and three accomplices over an attempt to export cocaine concealed in sachets of liquid starch to the United Kingdom, while also recording major drug seizures across several states.

Operatives of the agency intercepted 75 parcels of cocaine weighing 1.50 kilograms at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos. The illicit drugs were hidden inside factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch destined for the UK.

Three cargo agents — Jubrin Firdausi Hassana, Kuku Daniel Oluwasegun, and Igwe Chioma Jane — were arrested on Saturday, 20 December 2025, during the initial operation.

Further investigation led to the arrest of the mastermind, 37-year-old Nwobodo Chidiebere Basil, on Sunday, 21 December, at a relaxation centre in Ikeja. NDLEA records revealed that Nwobodo was convicted in 2023 for trafficking 30.10 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in powdered custard containers. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment with an option of a N7 million fine and one-month community service. After paying the fine, he reportedly returned to drug trafficking.

In a separate operation in Ekiti State, NDLEA operatives destroyed cannabis warehouses in Ara Forest, Ara-Ekiti, and recovered 638 kilograms of skunk. In Edo State, 1,205 blocks of compressed cannabis sativa weighing 883.1 kilograms were seized from three Toyota Camry vehicles intercepted along the Igara–Auchi Road.

In Cross River State, raids conducted at Agoi-Ibami community in Yakurr Local Government Area led to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of large quantities of skunk. The suspects include Freedom Jonah Akpama, David Itam David, and Nelson Arikpo Osam. Another suspect, Joy Oisamaye, was arrested along the Abaji–Abuja Expressway with 38 kilograms of skunk.

In Lagos, a female suspect, Ajoke Dauda, was arrested on Christmas Day at Agbara along the Badagry Expressway with 45.5 kilograms of skunk, while Oluwasegun Felix was apprehended the previous day at Itoga, Badagry, with 18.5 kilograms. Two other suspects were arrested in Taraba State with 48 kilograms of cannabis.

Meanwhile, in Gombe State, a 65-year-old driver, Sada’u Mohammed, was arrested along the Gombe–Biu Highway while conveying 300 ampoules of pentazocine injection and 27,900 pills of tramadol and other opioids.

The agency also arrested a wanted businessman, Ignatius Egbochie, also known as “Brown,” in connection with the seizure of 26 kilograms of “Loud,” a strain of cannabis, at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos. The consignment was seized on 10 December during a joint operation involving NDLEA, Customs, and other security agencies.

Across the country, NDLEA commands sustained their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities during the week.

Commending officers involved in the operations, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised their commitment and urged personnel nationwide to remain vigilant throughout the festive season while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism.