NDLEA Foils Cocaine Export Attempt by Drug Lord Serving Time in Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported that it interrupted an attempt to export cocaine that was planned from inside a prison.

Michael Oladimeji Olashupo, a convicted drug kingpin, attempted to ship 1.10 kilograms of cocaine hidden within processed cassava granules, which are commonly referred to as garri, on a Virgin Atlantic flight to London, United Kingdom.

Arrested in 2025, Oladimeji is currently serving a five-year sentence at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre located in Lagos.

The agency revealed this information at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.

It was indicated that Oladimeji organized the export through his logistics company. The agency arrested a staff member who presented the cargo at the airport.

In a separate operation, NDLEA officials in Abuja seized 59.2 grams of “Canadian Loud,” a strong strain of cannabis, found concealed in a children’s toy guitar, resulting in the arrest of the package owner.

Additionally, authorities carried out a raid in Ikate-Elegushi, Lekki, Lagos, where they discovered a factory producing “Colos,” a synthetic version of cannabis. During this operation, 13.2 kilograms of the substance were confiscated, along with precursor chemicals, and several individuals associated with the operation were apprehended.

Other nationwide raids led to the recovery of over 105,000 tramadol pills in Kwara, and 563.5 kilograms of skunk were found in Edo forests. Various suspects in Oyo State were arrested while in possession of methamphetamine, cannabis, cash, and vehicles.