NDLEA Foils Drug Smuggling Attempts, Arrests Two Suspects at Lagos Airport
The NDLEA has intercepted attempts to smuggle cocaine, tramadol, and other narcotics from Nigeria to the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and more. Two suspects have been arrested at Lagos airport with drugs cleverly concealed in various items. Ongoing campaigns against drug abuse continue alongside enforcement actions.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted attempts by drug trafficking organizations to smuggle illicit substances from Nigeria to multiple countries, among them the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates. NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi reported that the seized narcotics include cocaine, tramadol, and other drugs, often concealed ingeniously within everyday items at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.
Babafemi detailed that several packages were cunningly hidden in prayer beads, board game packs, and women’s clothing. The agency has arrested two suspects linked to failed smuggling attempts at MMIA; one of whom is a 43-year-old businesswoman apprehended on March 8 while attempting to board a flight to Italy with 190 parcels of tramadol and additional cannabis concealed in her luggage.
On March 11, a 60-year-old man was also arrested while attempting to ship a package disguised as clothing containing 400 grams of cannabis, destined for New York, USA. The Directorate of Operations and General Investigation (DOGI) also intercepted over two kilograms of various illicit drugs, concealed within Vitamin C bottles and garments, en route to the United States from logistics companies in Lagos.
Within a short span from March 10 to March 12, the NDLEA secured 230 grams of cocaine cleverly concealed in prayer beads, shoe soles, and board game packs, meant for shipment to Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the UAE. Despite these enforcement actions, NDLEA commands continue to undertake sensitization campaigns as part of their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA).
The recent operations conducted by the NDLEA underscore their ongoing commitment to curbing drug trafficking from Nigeria. With the interception of significant quantities of cocaine and tramadol, as well as the apprehension of suspected traffickers, the agency continues to bolster its enforcement efforts. Additionally, the agency’s educational campaigns reflect a proactive approach to addressing drug abuse more broadly within the community.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
