The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested former Nigerian international footballer Segun George Hunkarin and businessman Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu for attempting to smuggle cocaine through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
NDLEA spokesperson confirmed that Chinedu, a regular traveller from Turkey, was intercepted on June 24 with 800 grams of cocaine concealed in his hand luggage. The ex-footballer, Hunkarin, who was reportedly waiting at the airport car park to take delivery of the illicit substance, was also apprehended.
In a separate operation at the same airport, NDLEA operatives arrested Europe-based businessman Amen Okoro Godstime on June 27 with 5,000 pills of Tramadol disguised as malaria medication. Godstime was caught while attempting to board a flight to Spain.
The anti-narcotic agency also recorded significant seizures at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu. On arrival of a flight from Brazil, NDLEA officers arrested Ezenwaka Chibuzor Emmanuel with 17.5 kilograms of methamphetamine and 3.05 kilograms of cocaine hidden in bedsheets.
Similarly, another passenger on the same flight, 54-year-old Azu Follygan Kpodar, was caught with 1.25 kilograms of liquid cocaine concealed in a container of liquid soap.
The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing as the agency intensifies efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks across the country.