Crime
NDLEA intercepts cocaine smugglers posing as Hajj pilgrims
Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj. They had swallowed cocaine, pretending they were heading there to pray,
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), announced the arrest of two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine under the guise of being pilgrims bound for Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.
Speaking at the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Marwa revealed that the suspects had ingested the illicit drugs, posing as devout Muslims preparing for pilgrimage.
Marwa expressed deep concern over the growing trend of drug traffickers exploiting religious events like the Hajj to move narcotics across borders. He recalled past incidents where unsuspecting individuals were deceived into smuggling drugs, including three women two years ago who were tricked into carrying cocaine hidden in the lining of their bags.
Despite facing budgetary constraints, Marwa affirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to implementing the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021–2025.
He noted that recent developments, such as the amendment of the NDLEA Act, are expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s operations. “The amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is now awaiting presidential assent,” he confirmed.
Reviewing the NDLEA’s activities under the NDCMP’s strategic pillars for 2023 and 2024, Marwa highlighted substantial achievements.
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Under the Supply Reduction pillar, the agency arrested 31,334 drug offenders, secured 6,839 convictions, seized over 4.3 million kilograms of assorted drugs, and destroyed 426.47 hectares of cannabis farms. Under the Drug Demand Reduction pillar, NDLEA provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals.
Representing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, emphasized the significance of the NDLEA Act amendment.
He noted that the updated legislation would enhance the agency’s capacity to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse and improve the management of criminal proceeds linked to drug networks.
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