National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 25-year-old businessman, Lovely Chukwulobelu, for allegedly attempting to traffic 72 wraps of cocaine to Portugal through the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Gatekeepers News reports that according to NDLEA, Chukwulobelu was intercepted at the airport’s departure hall on Thursday, September 25, 2026, while preparing to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal through Addis Ababa.
The agency said the suspect had ingested the cocaine and was subsequently placed under excretion observation. He allegedly expelled all 72 wraps of the Class A illicit drug.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Sunday.
The agency said Chukwulobelu, who resides in Portugal, previously operated a car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect recently returned to Nigeria and got married on September 13. He reportedly told investigators that he became involved in the drug trade to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.
The NDLEA also reported other drug seizures and arrests across the country, including the interception of 2.55 million opioid tablets weighing 1,640.55kg at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The agency said investigations into the Enugu incident are ongoing.
