Ezeokoli Sylva, a 59-year-old businessman, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Lagos' Murtala Muhammed International Airport for smuggling 700 grams of cocaine concealed in his stomach. Sylva, who had lived in Brazil for 35 years, was intercepted on Friday, November 29, 2024, upon arrival from São Paulo via an Ethiopian Airlines flight through Addis Ababa.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed on Sunday, December 1, that Sylva was apprehended after a body scan at the airport revealed foreign objects in his stomach. Following a period under excretion observation, he expelled 29 wraps of cocaine, which tested positive for the substance.
Sylva, who ran an African store in Brazil selling provisions, shoes, and clothes, confessed that he purchased the cocaine in São Paulo. He intended to resell it in Nigeria to generate capital for expanding his business. This desperate move, he claimed, was driven by financial difficulties after decades abroad.
The NDLEA has intensified efforts to combat drug smuggling through Nigerian airports, with this case highlighting the agency's vigilance and technological advancements in detecting contraband. Sylva’s method, often referred to as "body packing," is a high-risk smuggling technique where traffickers ingest or insert drug-filled capsules to avoid detection. This method not only endangers the trafficker’s health but also underscores the lengths some individuals will go to in pursuit of illicit profits.
The arrest has sparked discussions on the socio-economic pressures driving individuals into drug trafficking, even at great personal risk. Many Nigerians living abroad face challenges such as limited opportunities, economic instability, and the temptation of quick gains through illegal means.Click here
Sylva’s case is a cautionary tale and reinforces the NDLEA's commitment to addressing Nigeria's drug trafficking issues. The agency continues to call for public support in its fight against drug-related crimes, emphasizing the broader societal implications of such activities.
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