Nigerian Authorities Seize Cocaine Worth $2.93 Million at Lagos Airport

Nigerian officials seized 19.4 kg of cocaine worth 4.66 billion naira ($2.93 million) at Lagos airport from a passenger arriving from Ethiopia. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested a 48-year-old businessman who was previously convicted for trafficking. Nigeria has increased efforts to disrupt drug cartels' operations.

Nigerian officials have seized 19.4 kg (42.77 pounds) of cocaine valued at 4.66 billion naira ($2.93 million) from a passenger arriving at Lagos airport from Ethiopia, as reported by the country's anti-drug agency on Tuesday.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 48-year-old Nigerian businessman on September 18 for allegedly carrying 817 wraps of cocaine. The businessman had previously been convicted for drug trafficking last year but paid a fine to avoid jail time.

Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation with over 200 million people, has transitioned from being merely a transit point for gangs moving drugs between South America and Europe to becoming a significant consumer and distributor. NDLEA chief Mohammed Buba Marwa stated, 'The agency will continue to work to disrupt the activities of drug cartels operating in the country.' ($1 = 1,593.0700 naira)

(With inputs from agencies.)