Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 25-year-old businessman at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for allegedly attempting to traffic 72 wraps of cocaine to Portugal.

The suspect was arrested at the airport’s departure hall on Thursday, September 25, 2026, while attempting to board an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Portugal through Addis Ababa.

According to the NDLEA in a statement on Sunday, the suspect had ingested the cocaine and was placed under excretion observation following his arrest. He subsequently excreted all 72 wraps of the Class A illicit drug.

The agency said the suspect previously operated a car decoration business at the Trade Fair Complex in Ojo, Lagos, before relocating to Portugal in May 2023.

He recently returned to Nigeria and got married on September 13, 2026. The NDLEA said he told investigators that he allegedly became involved in drug trafficking to offset expenses incurred during his wedding.