…Uncovers Cocaine, Tramadol Hidden In Plantain, Fuel Tanks
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, Mrs Mary Yetunde Barek, a 45-year-old PhD student at the University of Putra, Malaysia, Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, and ten others between June 28 and July 4, 2026.
The coordinated operations carried out across Lagos, Anambra, Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe states resulted in the interception of drugs concealed in plantain peels, herbal drink cartons and vehicle fuel tanks, with Gombe State recording the largest single drug seizure by weight and Lagos accounting for the highest number of arrests.
Overall, the operations led to the seizure of approximately 822.2 kilograms of illicit drugs, comprising 18.8 kilograms of cocaine, 556 kilograms of cannabis sativa, 246.7 kilograms of skunk, 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine and 43,980 capsules of tramadol, alongside specially modified concealment materials, including two vehicle fuel tanks and nine altered Orijin Bitters cartons used for trafficking.
Providing details, the NDLEA’s Director, Media & Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, on Sunday said a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, Mrs Mary Yetunde Barek,
was arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, after operatives discovered 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside artificial plantain peels packed among food items in her luggage.
The suspect, who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdom, was intercepted at the departure hall of Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London on June 28, 2026.
A search of her luggage uncovered 31 large wraps of cocaine designed to resemble fresh plantain hands.
According to Babafemi, the recovered cocaine weighed 13 kilograms.
Babafemi noted that, in her statement, Barek admitted full ownership of the parcel. He said, “The elderly woman admitted full ownership of the recovered cocaine exhibits.”
Investigators also dismantled an international drug trafficking syndicate linked to a Malaysia-bound cocaine shipment after tracking its alleged leader to Anambra State.
The operation followed the interception of 36 parcels of cocaine weighing 5.80 kilograms concealed inside the walls of nine cartons of Orijin Bitters that formed part of a consolidated cargo destined for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Investigations first led to the arrest of four suspects in Lagos. They included cargo agent Alalade Taiwo Azeez; driver Ndem Ogbonna Kelechi, who transported the consignment; trader Okeke Tochukwu Chimezie, who allegedly handed the shipment to the driver; and Igwilo Chidi Henry, who allegedly supplied the modified Orijin Bitters cartons used to conceal the cocaine.
The investigation later extended to Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, where operatives arrested Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, a 45-year-old PhD student at the University of Putra, Malaysia, on June 29.
NDLEA said investigations identified Onyeka as the alleged leader of the trafficking syndicate after he was traced to his hometown of Aziora, Ozubulu.
In Taraba State, operatives arrested 30-year-old Daniel Harrison Ugwuoke along the Zaki-Biam-Wukari Road in Wukari Local Government Area on July 4 while he was travelling from Onitsha, Anambra State.
A search of the vehicle uncovered 43,980 capsules of tramadol concealed inside two modified vehicle fuel tanks.
In Kaduna State, officers arrested Boniface Agu, 65, and Monday Nwaeze, 50, during a raid in Gwantu, Gwantu Local Government Area, on July 2.
The suspects were found with 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Another operation in Ebonyi State led to the arrest of 65-year-old Francis Ifara Eja at Ikwo on July 4.
Operatives recovered 231.7 kilograms of skunk, a strain of cannabis, from the suspect.
In Plateau State, officers arrested 75-year-old Alhaji Babani at Kurgwi in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area on July 3.
He was found in possession of 15 kilograms of skunk.
The largest single seizure by weight occurred in Gombe State, where operatives acting on intelligence arrested Dahiru Mohammed, 65, and Isiya Lawan, 36, at Kuri village in Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area on July 1.
The suspects were found with 587 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 556 kilograms.
While commending the officers, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) charged them and their compatriots across the country to continue to raise the operational bar.
