Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a former commercial motorcyclist for allegedly attempting to smuggle methamphetamine into Nigeria by ingesting the illicit drug.
The suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, after arriving from Uganda, according to the agency.
The NDLEA disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, and shared on the agency’s official X handle.
According to the agency, intelligence gathering and surveillance led to the suspect’s arrest upon arrival in Lagos.
Investigators alleged that the suspect swallowed 100 wraps of methamphetamine before boarding his flight to Nigeria in an attempt to evade security checks.
The agency said the suspect was placed under observation after his arrest, during which he allegedly excreted all 100 wraps of the illicit substance.
Babafemi said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had worked as a commercial motorcycle rider in Lagos for about 15 years before allegedly becoming involved in a transnational drug trafficking network in search of better financial opportunities.
“The suspect was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport following intelligence reports and surveillance. He was subsequently placed under observation and excreted 100 wraps of methamphetamine he had ingested before travelling from Uganda,” the statement said.
Commenting on the case, the agency described the arrest as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in drug trafficking.
“After 15 years of working as an okada rider in Lagos, this individual decided to seek a quick change in fortune by joining a transnational drug trafficking organisation. That ambition has now ended in disappointment following his arrest and the recovery of 100 wraps of methamphetamine,” the NDLEA stated.
The agency reiterated its commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking and warned individuals against participating in the illegal drug trade, stressing that operatives remain vigilant at the nation’s entry points.
