Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an Italy-bound businessman, Philip Tunde, after allegedly discovering 4.80 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travel bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The 38-year-old suspect was apprehended on September 27, 2026, at the joint screening point of Terminal 2 of the airport while preparing to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.
According to the NDLEA, a detailed search conducted by its officers uncovered 16 parcels of a white powdery substance hidden in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes. Operatives also discovered an additional 195 wraps of the substance concealed inside the railings of four travelling bags.
Subsequent tests carried out on the recovered substance confirmed it to be cocaine, with a total weight of 4.80 kilograms.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly admitted purchasing the cocaine concealed in the shoes for N16 million in cash. He also informed investigators that the drugs hidden in the travel bags were intended for delivery to a business associate in Italy.
The suspect further claimed that the funds used to purchase the narcotics came from compensation he received following a workplace accident at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, where he reportedly lost the tips of two fingers.
The NDLEA said investigations into the case are ongoing as the agency intensifies efforts to combat international drug trafficking through Nigeria’s airports and other entry and exit points.
The latest arrest underscores the evolving concealment methods being employed by drug traffickers and highlights the agency’s continued surveillance and interdiction operations aimed at curbing the illicit drug trade.
