By Adenike Lawal
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested Orizu Ifeanyi Arthur, a 48-year-old businessman, for allegedly ingesting 74 wraps of heroin and cocaine.
The arrest took place at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, as Orizu attempted to board Air France flight 844 to Paris, France, on December 22, 2024.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated that Orizu was flagged during routine passenger clearance but refused a body scan, citing medical reasons.
Detained for observation, he expelled 74 wraps of Class A drugs over seven days.
Orizu, who claims to run a shop in Lagos Island’s Balogun Market, admitted he was promised €3,000 to deliver the drugs to Paris.
In a related operation on December 24, NDLEA’s Marine Command intercepted two boats carrying 1,960 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud cannabis at Eleko Beach, Lekki, Lagos.
Six foreign nationals, including two Ghanaians and four Beninese, were arrested.
Further seizures included 40 parcels of compressed cannabis weighing 35 kilograms in Katsina State on December 25, and 27 parcels weighing 13.5 kilograms on the Zaria-Malumfashi road on December 28.
In Benin City, Kosisochukwu Ozigbo was caught on December 23 with opioids, including tramadol and codeine-based syrup.