Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a 38-year-old businessman, identified as Philip Tunde, with 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine allegedly concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travelling bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to the agency, Tunde was arrested on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the joint screening point of Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport while preparing to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.
A search of his luggage reportedly led to the recovery of 16 parcels of a white powdery substance hidden in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes.
NDLEA said another 195 wraps of the substance were concealed in the railings of four travelling bags. The substances subsequently tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 4.80kg.
During interrogation, the agency said Tunde allegedly disclosed that he paid ₦16 million in cash for the cocaine concealed in the shoes, while the consignment hidden in the travelling bags was meant to be delivered to his business partner in Italy.
He reportedly told investigators that the money used to purchase the cocaine came from compensation he received after sustaining an injury while working at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, where he lost the tips of two fingers.
The arrest was part of a series of intelligence-led operations conducted by the NDLEA across the country, according to the agency.
The NDLEA said investigations into the seized cocaine and the suspect’s alleged role in the consignment are ongoing.