NDLEA bursts Cocaine Hidden in Prayer Beads, Shoes bound for Saudi Arabia, others

No fewer than 19 suspects have been arrested as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) thwarted desperate bids by some drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) to move illicit consignments.

The consignments, such as cocaine, tramadol, loud, molly, and others concealed in prayer beads, packs of board games, and female clothes to the United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates through logistics firms and the Lagos airport.

Several suspects connected to the illicit trade have been arrested by the agency’s operatives.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that on March 8, a 43-year-old businesswoman, Jakpor Egware May, was apprehended at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos while attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy.

Upon searching her luggage, authorities discovered 190 parcels of tramadol 225mg and one parcel of skunk, a highly potent strain of cannabis.

“She confessed to purchasing the drugs herself with the intention to resell them in Italy,” Babafemi stated.

In a separate operation at the Lagos airport’s export shed, NDLEA officers apprehended 60-year-old Yahaya Fatai Ayinla on March 11 as he attempted to ship clothing concealing 400 grams of skunk to New York.

The agency also uncovered several illicit shipments at logistics companies in Lagos.

These included over two kilograms of narcotics, such as Loud, Molly, and tramadol, hidden in vitamin C bottles and women’s clothing bound for the United States.

Additionally, 230 grams of cocaine were discovered concealed in prayer beads, locally made shoe soles, and board game packs, destined for Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the UAE.

Babafemi reported that further nationwide crackdowns led to multiple arrests and significant drug seizures.

In Kano State, 479 kg of compressed skunk was confiscated from 40-year-old Hassan Haruna on March 12. In Kogi State, 58,300 tramadol pills were intercepted on March 11 along the Kabba-Obajana highway.

In Kaduna State, 21-year-old Idris Hamza was caught with 4,900 tramadol pills in Kachia on March 13, while 2,900 pills were seized from Aminu Magaji in Hayin Banki on March 14.

In Kwara State, authorities confiscated 40,200 tramadol pills from two suspects on March 14 along the Ilorin-Jebba expressway, with an additional 21,700 capsules intercepted on March 13.

In Taraba State, Babafemi revealed that 35-year-old Polycarp Adeku was arrested with 15.77 kg of skunk in Kurmi Local Government Area on March 14.

Meanwhile, in Osun State, a commercial bus was intercepted on March 13 carrying 48.7 kg of cannabis strains, including Ghanaian Loud, Colorado, and Canadian Loud.

In the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, a 58-year-old identified as Ade Esan was apprehended on March 11 with 27,800 tramadol pills, while 26-year-old Usman Mohammed was arrested for possessing both skunk and cocaine.

In Abia State, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi reported that operatives raided the Ntigha community in Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area on March 15.

During the operation, they arrested Chinaza Nwogu, also known as Young Money, and seized heroin, methamphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, and N753,015 in cash.

Beyond enforcement efforts, the NDLEA sustained its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, focusing on educating students, workers, and religious groups nationwide. Awareness initiatives were conducted in schools across Lagos, Adamawa, Kogi, Anambra, and Ekiti states.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa praised the agency’s officers for their unwavering commitment and efforts.

“These seizures and arrests demonstrate our balanced approach to reducing both the supply and demand for illicit drugs in Nigeria,” Marwa said.

“We will continue to track and dismantle trafficking networks while raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse.”