NDLEA uncovers hard drugs hidden in incense candles, women’s clothing in Lagos

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos have made a major breakthrough, uncovering a clandestine drug shipment cleverly disguised as ordinary household items, including incense candles and women’s clothing.

According to NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the seized items, which included cocaine and loud, a synthetic form of cannabis, were creatively hidden in various everyday objects such as incense candles, game packs, dried hibiscus leaves, and women’s clothing.”

A statement on Sunday said the illegal drugs were attempted to be smuggled into and out of Nigeria via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Babafemi said multiple people allegedly involved in the drug trafficking operation are currently in custody.

The statement reads: “A businessman, Mr. Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu, was arrested on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at his residence in Horizon Court, Lekki, Lagos.

“The arrest came after a consignment of 40 parcels of Loud, weighing 20.30 kg, hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker sets, was intercepted at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport.

“The cargo had arrived from Canada on a British Airways flight and was discovered during a joint examination with Customs Service officials.

“A search of his home also led to the recovery of more exhibits, including some drug paraphernalia, such as a weighing scale and a cannabis potency test kit, while four vaping machines were recovered from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki.

“A Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was also recovered from his house.

“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA on Friday, July 19, intercepted two jumbo bags going to Pakistan.

“The bags contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves, and other food items, which were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing 1.360 kg.

“Further investigations led to the arrest of a businesswoman, Eze Queen Ogechi, who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan on the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise, based in the South Asian country.

“Also at the Lagos airport, NDLEA operatives attached to Terminal II, Departure Gate of the MMIA, on Thursday, July 18, intercepted a male Beninese passenger, Orobi Adoubi Amen, traveling with a bag containing some female native dresses.

“The suspect was going to Dubai via Accra, Ghana, on an Air Peace Airline flight and a connecting flight to Dubai, UAE, on Emirates Airline.

“A thorough search of the bag revealed eight parcels of Loud weighing 2.10 kg were concealed in the ladies’ native wears.

“The suspect claimed he was given the consignment for a fee of N600,000 on successful delivery in Dubai.”

Retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, Chairman of the NDLEA, praised the anti-narcotics officers for their successful operations.

He expressed gratitude for their operational achievements and those of their colleagues nationwide, encouraging them to build on their successes.

Marwa urged them to sustain their efforts to disrupt drug supply chains and reduce drug demand.