NDLEA Foils Prison-Linked Cocaine Export Scheme Hidden in Garri Bound for London

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a fresh drug trafficking plot allegedly masterminded from prison by convicted drug kingpin Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, involving the attempted export of 1.10 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in processed cassava granules, popularly known as garri, to London, United Kingdom, on a Virgin Atlantic flight.

Olashupo is currently serving a five-year jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following his arrest by the NDLEA in 2025 for unlawful conspiracy to export 17.90 kilogrammes of cocaine. He was prosecuted, convicted and sentenced by the Federal High Court in charge number FHC/L/925C/2025.

Investigations revealed that the latest trafficking attempt was allegedly coordinated from prison using his company as a front.

The plot was uncovered on February 12, 2026, when NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport intercepted a consignment containing compressed blocks of cocaine hidden inside a sack of garri packed in a carton.

A staff member of Dimeji Express Logistics, Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, who presented the consignment for export, was arrested. Further investigations showed that Olashupo allegedly directed Yusuf to collect the consignment from a location in Oshodi, Lagos.

More Arrests in Lagos and Abuja

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives also foiled an attempt by a 44-year-old estate surveyor, Adelaja Taiwo Adetayo, to export 1.70 kilogrammes of skunk concealed in five jerry cans to the United Kingdom.

The cargo agent who presented the consignment, Mustapha Quddus Opeyemi, was initially arrested, while a follow-up operation led to the arrest of Adelaja at the Ahmadiyya area of Lagos on February 9, 2026.

In Abuja, NDLEA operatives on February 12 intercepted a waybill package sent from Enugu containing a children’s toy guitar. A search revealed that the toy had been modified to conceal two parcels of Canadian Loud, a strain of cannabis, weighing 59.2 grammes.

A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the owner of the consignment, Henry Onuma, at Dream City Estate.

The NDLEA said investigations are ongoing and further arrests and prosecutions are expected as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating across Nigeria and beyond.