The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, arresting multiple suspects across Nigeria after uncovering cocaine and other illicit drugs concealed in fake plantains, beverage cartons and modified vehicle fuel tanks.
One of the most high-profile arrests involved a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, identified as Mary Yetunde Barek, who was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos while preparing to board a flight to London.
NDLEA operatives discovered 13 kilograms of cocaine ingeniously packaged to resemble fresh plantain hands and hidden among food items in her luggage. According to the agency, the suspect admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation.
In a separate operation, investigators dismantled a drug trafficking syndicate linked to a Malaysia-bound shipment after tracing 5.8 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside cartons of Orijin Bitters. The investigation led to the arrest of a 45-year-old PhD student in Anambra State, who authorities identified as the alleged leader of the network. Several other suspects had earlier been arrested in Lagos as part of the same investigation.
The NDLEA also recorded another major seizure in Taraba State, where operatives intercepted a vehicle carrying 43,980 capsules of tramadol hidden inside specially modified fuel tanks. Officials said the suspect was arrested based on intelligence while travelling from Onitsha. Additional raids in Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe states resulted in the recovery of methamphetamine, cannabis and other illegal substances, with more suspects taken into custody.
Beyond enforcement, the agency said it continues to expand its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign through awareness programs in schools and communities nationwide. NDLEA Chairman Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.) commended officers involved in the operations and urged commands across the country to sustain pressure on drug trafficking networks as smugglers adopt increasingly sophisticated concealment methods.
