Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a sophisticated international drug trafficking operation in which cocaine was concealed in tins of palm kernel oil bound for the United Kingdom.
The discovery, which followed a three-week intelligence-led operation, led to the dismantling of the syndicate, the arrest of its kingpin, and the recovery of critical evidence, including hundreds of modified tins prepared for drug concealment.
”The breakthrough came on March 11, 2026, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, where NDLEA officers intercepted 3.10 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside tins of palm kernel extract at the export shed,” a statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday revealed.
The consignment, disguised as a legitimate export, was destined for the UK.
Babafemi described the concealment method as both deliberate and meticulous, with traffickers draining the oil content from the tins to create space for the illicit substance before resealing them for export.
Two suspects linked to the shipment, Idris Olayiwola Amoo and Akinlami Akinsoji Adedoyin, were arrested at the scene, setting off a chain of operations that exposed the inner workings of the syndicate.”
A follow-up sting operation on April 2 led to the arrest of the sender, Ezemuwo Joel, who had been operating under a false identity.
His capture provided investigators with the crucial link needed to track down the alleged mastermind, 52-year-old King Arinze.
Arinze was eventually apprehended at a hideout in the Isolo area of Lagos and taken to his warehouse at Bucknor, where NDLEA operatives uncovered the scale and sophistication of the operation.
“At the facility, officers recovered 886 tins of palm kernel oil prepared for drug concealment, along with industrial tools including sealing machines, tin openers, and paint sprays used to perfect the disguise. Small quantities of cannabis and other materials linked to the operation were also seized.
Investigators say Arinze admitted to personally orchestrating the concealment process.
The NDLEA said the case highlights a growing trend of traffickers exploiting legitimate export goods to evade detection, raising fresh concerns about the evolving tactics of international drug networks.
Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the operation underscores the agency’s strengthened intelligence capabilities and resolve to dismantle drug supply chains.
