By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Operatives from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled multiple attempts to export illicit drugs to the United States, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Poland, and the UAE.
The drugs, including cocaine, opioids like tramadol, and cannabis (skunk), were concealed in everyday items such as prayer beads, board games, and clothing.
The first arrest occurred on March 8, 2025, when Jakpor Egware May, a 43-year-old businesswoman, was caught attempting to board an Air France flight to Italy at Lagos airport.
“She was found with 190 parcels of tramadol 225mg and a parcel of skunk,” an NDLEA spokesperson said. May claimed she “bought the drugs herself, with the intention to resell them in Italy.”
On March 11, another suspect, Yahaya Fatai Ayinla, a 60-year-old, was apprehended at the airport while attempting to ship 400 grams of skunk hidden in clothes destined for the U.S. In Lagos, over two kilograms of drugs like Loud, Molly, and tramadol were intercepted in logistics companies.
NDLEA agents also foiled the export of 230 grams of cocaine concealed in prayer beads, shoes, and board games, with destinations including Saudi Arabia, Poland, and the UAE.
In Kano, NDLEA officers seized 479kg of compressed skunk from Hassan Haruna, a 40-year-old suspect, on March 12. Further raids resulted in the recovery of over 58,000 tramadol pills along highways and in commercial vehicles across Nigeria. In Taraba and Osun states, operatives also seized various drugs, including 15.77kg of skunk and 48.7kg of cannabis.
The NDLEA continues its fight against the drug trade, with nine suspects arrested in connection with these seizures. “We remain committed to halting illegal drug exports and will not relent in our efforts to protect the nation,” said an NDLEA official.Attach
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