Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested one Oluigboka Chukwuemeka Emmanuel in connection with 2.472kg of cocaine hidden inside jewellery.
The 33-year-old suspect arrived from Brazil aboard a KLM flight and was intercepted at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
During search, powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine were found in his bag of jewellery.
It took several hours to extract the cocaine from the jewellery because of the complex method of concealment.
Speaking on the latest discovery, the NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said that the drug was factory-packed inside assorted jewellery.
Umar said: “This mode of concealment is strange and it is the first time of discovering drugs inside jewellery.
“The drugs were industrially packed in ear rings, buttons, necklaces, bangles as well as in female belts.
“We had to forcefully open them to recover the drugs.
“The entire quantity of cocaine found in the jewellery products weighed 2.472kg.
“One arrest has been made in connection with the seizure.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, who had lived in Brazil for over five years, is believed to be working for a suspected Brazil-based drug syndicate.
However, Oluigboka Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, in his statement, said that he was smuggling the drug for a fee.
In his words: “I needed money for the burial anniversary of my late father.
“As the breadwinner, everybody is looking up to me for the sponsorship of the anniversary.
“I have lived in Brazil for over five years but I have no money to undertake this important family responsibility.
“My interest was the 2,000 euros they promised to pay me.”
Oluigboka who is married with a child, hails from Imo State.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that the Agency will halt the desperation of drug trafficking syndicates in the country.
He said: “Although drug barons are becoming more desperate, the Agency is determined to frustrate their efforts.
“This seizure is yet an indication that drug traffickers can go to any length in hiding their drugs from law enforcement agents.”
The NDLEA boss also called for more public support in the anti-narcotic campaign, stating that the factory mode of drug concealment is now worrisome.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
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