NDLEA Arrest Italy-Bound Bizman With 4.8kg Cocaine

Sunday October 4, 2026

By SituationREPORT

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 38-year-old businessman, Philip Tunde, with 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and railings of travelling bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

In a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja, the agency said Tunde was arrested on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the joint screening point of Terminal 2 while preparing to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.

A thorough search of the suspect led to the recovery of 16 parcels of white powder concealed in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, as well as 195 wraps of the same substance hidden in the railings of four travelling bags.

The substances tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 4.80kg.

During interrogation, Tunde claimed he paid N16 million in cash for the cocaine concealed in the shoes, while the consignment hidden in the bags was intended for delivery to his partner in Italy.

He also said he raised the money from compensation paid to him following an injury sustained at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, where he lost the tips of two fingers.