Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted 12 consignments of cocaine at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, on Saturday.

The consignments consisted of 797 pellets of cocaine weighing 17.6kg.
NDLEA’s spokesman Femi Babafemi stated on Sunday in Abuja that a businessman, Augustine Emeka (44), was arrested in connection with the consignments.

He added that Mr Emeka, who claimed to be dealing in copper wire, was arrested at the airport upon arrival from Douala, Cameroon, through Addis Ababa on Ethiopian Airline.

“During the preliminary interview, the suspect admitted that the cocaine consignments were for delivery to 12 different persons in Nigeria,’’ Mr Babafemi added.

He also stated that on Friday, NDLEA operatives arrested a fleeing suspect, Prince Ifeanyi, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.

Mr Ifeanyi had gone into hiding since September 8 following the seizure of a UK-bound 20kg Indian hemp consignment at the airport linked to him.

He added that NDLEA operatives also arrested a 45-year-old Beninoise, Jamila Fatiu, at Ebute-Ero Jetty on Lagos Island on December 4.

Ms Jamila had 398 bottles of codeine cough syrup in her possession while on her way to Seme border by boat when she was arrested.

(NAN)