“NDLEA Intercepts 67 Year Old NigerianBritish Woman with 13kg Cocaine Concealed in Plantain Peels at Lagos Airport”
Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 67 year old Nigerian British woman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for allegedly attempting to traffic 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside processed plantain peels.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect was intercepted during the outward clearance process for an international flight after operatives identified suspicious items in her luggage. A detailed search reportedly uncovered parcels of cocaine carefully hidden within packaged dried plantain peels in an apparent attempt to evade security screening.
The agency said the total weight of the illicit substance was approximately 13 kilograms. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect holds dual Nigerian and British citizenship and was preparing to transport the narcotics overseas before her arrest.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers involved in the operation, describing the seizure as another demonstration of the agency’s commitment to dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks. He reiterated that traffickers continue to adopt increasingly sophisticated concealment methods, but assured Nigerians that the agency remains vigilant in detecting and disrupting illicit drug movements.
The arrest forms part of the NDLEA’s ongoing nationwide campaign against narcotics trafficking, which has resulted in multiple high profile seizures at airports, seaports and border crossings in recent months. The agency has consistently intensified intelligence-led operations targeting organized criminal networks involved in the production, distribution and export of illegal drugs.
Authorities have stated that the suspect will face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations in accordance with Nigeria’s drug control laws.
The latest seizure underscores the persistent challenge posed by international drug trafficking syndicates and highlights the continued collaboration between law enforcement agencies to strengthen border security and combat organized crime.