Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have intercepted a consignment of cocaine concealed in sacks of processed cassava granules, popularly known as garri, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The illicit shipment, weighing 1.10 kilograms, was bound for London, United Kingdom, on a Virgin Atlantic flight when it was discovered at the export shed of the Lagos airport.
According to the agency, the smuggling attempt was allegedly masterminded by a convicted drug trafficker, Olashupo Michael Oladimeji, who is currently serving a five-year jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos.
NDLEA disclosed that Oladimeji was arrested in 2025 over a conspiracy to export 17.90 kilograms of cocaine. He was subsequently prosecuted and convicted by a Federal High Court in Lagos under charge number FHC/L/925C/2025.
Despite his incarceration, the agency said the convict allegedly orchestrated the latest trafficking scheme from prison, using his logistics firm, Dimeji Express Logistics, based in Mafoluku, Oshodi.
The cocaine was reportedly compressed into blocks and hidden inside a sack of garri, which was then packed into a carton for export.
A staff member of the logistics company, identified as Adedeji Yusuf Gbolahan, was arrested after presenting the consignment for shipment.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Oladimeji allegedly directed Yusuf from prison to collect the consignment from a location in Oshodi before attempting to export it.
The NDLEA said further investigations are ongoing to uncover other individuals connected to the failed smuggling operation.
