Nigeria: NDLEA arrests Vietnam-Bound businessman at Abuja airport, foils attempt to traffick in cocaine

Paul Okwuy Mbadugha, a 54-year-old businessman bound for Vietnam, was apprehended by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja.

The arrest occurred on Monday, August 12, 2024, as Mbadugha was preparing to board Qatar Airways flight QR 1432, destined for Hanoi via Doha.

Mbadugha was intercepted at the boarding gate after testing positive for cocaine ingestion during routine checks.

Following his arrest, he was placed under observation for four days to monitor the excretion of the illicit substance. Ultimately, he egested a total of 88 wraps of cocaine, weighing 1.710 kilograms.

In a statement following his arrest, Mbadugha disclosed that he is a Lagos-based businessman who was approached by a friend in the Isolo area of Lagos.

According to him, he was persuaded to swallow the cocaine pellets for a fee of $2,000 for delivery in Vietnam.

His claims highlight the increasingly dangerous tactics employed by drug traffickers, who often exploit individuals for the transportation of narcotics across international borders.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the agency operatives for their vigilance and successful interception of the suspect.

He also recognized the efforts of his colleagues across the country, emphasizing the importance of ongoing sensitization lectures and advocacy initiatives aimed at combating drug trafficking and raising awareness about the dangers of narcotics.