The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended four individuals intending to participate in the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
A statement signed by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, and made available to Channel Network Afrique, CNA, identified the suspects as Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34) were caught ingesting wraps of cocaine at the Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State.
The operation which took place on June 5, 2024, resulted in the discovery of 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms prepared for ingestion in two rooms. 100 pellets of cocaine were found in each room alongside the four suspects.
Commending the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Brigade General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) emphasized the agency’s commitment to combating drug trafficking.
Marwa warned that the NDLEA would continue to track and apprehend those using the pilgrimage as a cover for smuggling illicit drugs.
“The Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly,” Marwa stated.
The operation highlighted the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to uphold Nigeria’s image and prevent drug trafficking through significant national and international collaborations.
