Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 74-year-old Ikwuakalom Emeka at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 11 kilograms of cocaine hidden in food items while travelling to the United Kingdom.
Emeka was detained on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the departure hall as he prepared to board British Airways flight BA082 to Heathrow, London.
In a statement on Sunday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said a search of Emeka’s luggage uncovered blocks of cocaine wrapped in foil and balloons, concealed inside food items, including ground dry pepper.
“A 74-year-old man, Ikwuakalom Nwakoro Emeka, was arrested by NDLEA operatives at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport after authorities discovered a large consignment of cocaine hidden in his luggage. Emeka, who claimed he was travelling to London for vacation, was stopped at the departure hall while attempting to board British Airways flight BA082 on March 14, 2026,” the statement read.
“The search revealed 11 kilograms of cocaine carefully concealed in food items such as ground dry pepper, wrapped in foil papers and balloons,” it added.
