A 30-year-old Italy-based businessman, Joseph Cyril, has been arrested by NDLEA operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, after allegedly ingesting 98 wraps of cocaine bound for Europe.
Cyril was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, during passenger clearance for an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Italy via Addis Ababa and France.
He was placed under excretion observation and subsequently expelled 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510kg.
NDLEA investigations revealed that the suspect had arrived in Nigeria from Italy on July 13 and allegedly ingested the drugs at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State, before travelling to Enugu to board his flight.
In his statement, he reportedly claimed he agreed to traffic the consignment for €3,500, saying he needed the money to relocate to Germany, where his family is based.
Another drug trafficking attempt intercepted.