NDLEA ARRESTS EX-CONVICT POSING AS HERBAL TEA DEALER

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a convicted cocaine trafficker who allegedly disguised himself as a herbal tea businessman while continuing to coordinate illicit drug shipments.

The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Dunu Ebubechukwu, was arrested during a sting operation at Article Market, opposite Trade Fair Market, in the Ojo area of Lagos on September 4, 2026.

According to the NDLEA, Ebubechukwu came under investigation after operatives intercepted 1.2kg of cocaine concealed in phone chargers and destined for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in July.

The agency said the suspect admitted to masterminding previous drug shipments and discarded his phone SIM card after learning that the latest consignment had been intercepted.

NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said further investigation revealed that Ebubechukwu had previously been arrested in 2011 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, in connection with drug trafficking.

The agency also reported the seizure of a fuel tanker containing a concealed compartment loaded with 2,145kg of cannabis.

NDLEA said investigations are ongoing into the suspect and other drug-related operations linked to the seizures.