Nigeria: NDLEA arrests would-be pilgrims with cocaine

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine while posing as pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj. The suspects had ingested the illicit drug, pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), revealed the arrest during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja. Marwa expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments, especially during Hajj, to traffic drugs internationally.

Marwa cited a previous incident where three women were duped into carrying cocaine to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the need for vigilance. He noted that some individuals offer to pay for tickets and visas for would-be pilgrims, only to use them as unwitting couriers for illicit drugs.

Despite funding challenges affecting the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the NDLEA remains committed to its mission. Marwa highlighted the agency’s progress in drug supply reduction, including the arrest of 31,334 drug offenders and the seizure of 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs.

The NDLEA boss expressed optimism about the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction. The amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent.

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, expressed hope that the recent amendment of the NDLEA Act would bolster Nigeria’s drug control efforts once signed by President Bola Tinubu. The ministry has worked closely with the NDLEA to ensure that the national legal system effectively supports the agency’s drug control efforts.