Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, at the departure hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after a large consignment of cocaine was discovered concealed in his luggage.

The suspect, who claimed he was travelling to London in the United Kingdom for a vacation, was intercepted by NDLEA officers while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 bound for Heathrow Airport on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

A thorough search of his luggage led to the discovery of 11 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper. The illicit substance was carefully wrapped in foil papers and balloons in an apparent attempt to evade airport security checks.

The suspect is currently in NDLEA custody as investigations continue.