In a recent operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) thwarted attempts by drug trafficking organizations to smuggle illicit substances concealed in religious items and footwear. The agency intercepted shipments containing cocaine hidden within prayer beads and the soles of locally made shoes, destined for countries including Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the United Arab Emirates.
The NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that between March 10 and March 12, 2025, operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos intercepted consignments containing 230 grams of cocaine ingeniously concealed in prayer beads, shoe soles, and packs of board games. These items were intended for export to various international destinations, including the Holy Land. The agency highlighted that these seizures underscore the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug traffickers to evade detection.
In a related development, on March 8, 2025, NDLEA operatives arrested a 43-year-old businesswoman, Jakpor Egware May, at the departure hall of the Lagos airport. She was attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy when a search of her luggage revealed 190 parcels of tramadol 225mg and an additional parcel of skunk, a strain of cannabis. During interrogation, she admitted to purchasing the drugs herself with the intention of reselling them in Italy.
These operations are part of the NDLEA's ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse. The agency continues to intensify its surveillance and enforcement activities to deter individuals and organizations from engaging in illicit drug activities, thereby safeguarding public health and national security.