NDLEA nabs Malaysia-based PhD student for hiding cocaine in Orijin Bitters cartons

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 45-year-old PhD student at the University of Putra in Malaysia, Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, following the recovery of 5.80 kilograms of cocaine concealed in nine cartons of Orijin bitters heading to Kuala Lumpur, the nation’s capital.

The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this via a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Babafemi said four suspects were initially arrested in parts of Lagos State during investigations.

Babafemi listed the suspects to include the cargo agent, Alalade Taiwo Azeez; the driver who conveyed the consignment to the cargo agent, Ndem Ogbonna Kelechi; a trader at ASPANDA market, Trade Fair Complex, Lagos, who handed over the consignment to the driver for delivery to the cargo agent, Okeke Tochukwu Chimezie; and an accomplice who supplied the cartons of Origin bitters used in concealing the cocaine, Igwilo Chidi Henry.

He said efforts eventually paid off, leading to the arrest of the PhD student during a sting operation in Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State on June 29, 2026.

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Babafemi stated that Nwabueze, identified as the leader of the syndicate, had been hiding in his village, Aziora in the Ozubulu area of Anambra State.

Babafemi added that the NDLEA continued its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, workplaces, and communities, among others, in the past week.

The NDLEA spokesman listed the activities to include WADA enlightenment lecture to students and staff of Girls Secondary School, Abagana, Anambra State; Government Technical College, Obe, Enugu; Adeola Odutola College, Ijebu Ode in Ogun State; and FCE Staff Demonstration School, Kabuga, Kano State; among others.