NDLEA unmasks hidden Cocaine in Custard in major UK-bound drug bust, takes down two

The three suspects

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an Ibadan businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, and auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, for attempting to export opioids and cocaine to the UK and Congo.

The duo attempted to smuggle the consignments to London in the UK and Congo Brazzaville, respectively.

According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency’s officers at the export shed of Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted a cargo bound for the UK on Friday, September 6, 2024.

A thorough search of the consignment uncovered 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70 kg and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol concealed in cartons of foodstuffs.

The statement revealed that Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, the freight agent who presented the cargo for export, was immediately arrested.

Further investigation led to the apprehension of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas, 58, had sent the consignment from Ibadan for delivery to the agent.

“A follow-up operation on Saturday, September 7, led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi in Ibadan, where she operates a foodstuffs and cargo export business,” Babafemi added.

• Inside cocaine empire: NDLEA takes down kingpin Aremu behind international drug routes
• Fall of alleged drug kingpin: Suleiman Ganiu Aremu’s reign ends
• NDLEA intercepts UK, Europe-bound cocaine, opioids in Lagos

The freight agent, Owojori, reportedly confessed to having worked for Mrs. Adewunmi in exporting cargo to the UK, disclosing that he was paid ₦2,411,000 for the job.

He further revealed he had received ₦2.1 million for a similar consignment handled for the businesswoman earlier.

In a related operation, Babafemi said NDLEA operatives at the same export shed of the Lagos airport intercepted cartons of auto spare parts and checkers powder custard destined for Congo Brazzaville via Ethiopian Airlines on Wednesday, September 11.

A diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in containers of checkers powder custard packed alongside the auto parts.

A follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of Arinze Ora, the sender of the consignment. Ora, who deals in auto parts, was apprehended at his shop located at Shop 12, Block 7, Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos.

Both suspects are now in NDLEA custody as investigations continue.