Joseph Cyril, a 30-year-old businessman based in Italy, was arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu on Sunday, August 2, 2026. He had allegedly ingested 98 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.510 kilograms before attempting to board Ethiopian Airlines flight ET930 to Italy via Addis Ababa and France. During excretion observation, Cyril expelled all 98 wraps. According to NDLEA, he arrived from Italy on July 13 and allegedly took in the drugs at a hotel in Awka, Anambra State.
Cyril told investigators he agreed to traffic the drugs for €3,500 to fund relocation to Germany, where his family resides. The NDLEA statement, issued by Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation. In separate operations between August 3 and August 8, NDLEA intercepted multiple drug consignments nationwide. These included 1.2kg of cocaine hidden in phone chargers bound for Saudi Arabia, 500 grammes concealed in a backpack to Italy, and 2.3kg of synthetic cannabis called Loud imported from the United States.
Large-scale seizures also occurred in Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Abia and Lagos states. Among them: 1,633kg of skunk in a truck on the Akure-Ilesha Expressway; 731.03kg from a warehouse in Elebure village; 604.5kg recovered with military support in Ewe Luleha; and 88.5kg seized from wanted dealer Adome Claude Sikuru in Badagry. At TinCan Island Port, 309.4kg of cannabis-infused cookies and gummies were found in a container, leading to Larry Nnaji's arrest.
Cyril claims he swallowed 98 wraps of cocaine to join his family in Germany, yet chose a crime that guarantees detention rather than departure. His plan relied on moving drugs through Nigeria, the same country he had to transit to leave Africa. If his goal was reunion, the method ensured its delay.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
