NDLEA Nabs Fugitive Cocaine Stash Keeper, Recovers ₦5bn Drugs In Lagos Raid
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested one Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, a fugitive member of a cocaine trafficking syndicate.
A statement on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the 39-year-old female stash keeper for the trans-border drug trafficking organisation, was arrested on December 9, 2025, at her home on Onasanya Street, Surulere, Lagos, following sustained intelligence gathering and surveillance.
“Determined to rein in every member of the syndicate, NDLEA operatives continued with follow-up intelligence and surveillance on the trans-border drug trafficking organisation until a 39-year-old female stash keeper, Shodunke Yetunde Simbiat, was identified as a key member,” the statement reads.
During a search of her residence, NDLEA officers uncovered cocaine hidden inside a suitcase in her children’s room.
“A thorough search of her home led to the discovery of blocks of cocaine weighing 23.50 kilograms concealed in a black suitcase recovered from her children’s room,” the agency said.
It added that the suspect “admitted ownership of the drug consignment worth over N5 billion in street value”.
Similarly, NDLEA officers at the terminal II departure hall of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, intercepted a 36-year-old businessman, Nwanwene Robinson Destiny on December 18, while he was attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.
He was found with 1,020 pills of tramadol 225mg and tapentadol 200mg concealed in his luggage.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that “the successful trafficking of the opioids to Italy would have fetched him two hundred euros (€200) from the person he was to deliver them to”.
