Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.

The anti-drug agency said the suspect was intercepted at the airport’s departure hall while preparing to board a British Airways flight to London.

According to the agency, the arrest occurred on March 14, 2026, during routine checks carried out by operatives at the international terminal.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said officers discovered the illicit substance during a search of the suspect’s luggage at the airport.

NDLEA stated that the cocaine was wrapped in foil papers and balloons before being hidden inside food items, including ground dry pepper.

The suspect was reportedly attempting to board flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport in London when the drugs were discovered during inspection.

The agency disclosed that the substance recovered weighed 11 kilograms.

In a separate operation in Lagos, NDLEA operatives arrested Maryam Olalowo at a hotel in Victoria Island for allegedly attempting to sell cocaine and cannabis.

The agency said a follow-up investigation led to the arrest of her husband, Ibrahim Olalowo Olatunji, who was also linked to the drugs recovered during the operation.

NDLEA also reported other seizures during operations in several states, including the recovery of large quantities of tramadol tablets in Lagos and cannabis in Kano State.

The operations form part of ongoing enforcement actions by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to curb drug trafficking and illegal drug distribution across Nigeria.

The agency said its enforcement activities include arrests, seizures of illicit substances and public awareness campaigns under its War Against Drug Abuse initiative.