The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a woman, identified as Chidinma Agbazue, for allegedly attempting to export 10.70kg of cannabis sativa to Doha, Qatar.
The 35-year-old suspect was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Thursday.
According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for NDLEA, the illicit drugs were cleverly concealed in dried vegetables and Abacha (African salad), with 20 parcels discovered during the screening process by NDLEA officers in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS).
Preliminary investigations revealed that Agbazue, who is based in Qatar, returned to Nigeria in December for Christmas celebrations. It was during her stay at Club Dice Hotel in the Ikotun area of Lagos that she was allegedly handed the consignment for trafficking to the Arab country.
Babafemi stated, “She said preparatory to her return to Doha, she was lodged at Club Dice Hotel in Ikotun area of Lagos where the consignment was handed over to her for trafficking to the Arab country.”
In addition to Agbazue’s arrest, the NDLEA reported making other significant arrests across various states in Nigeria, including Bayelsa, Ogun, Taraba, Abia, and Ondo. The agency’s commands nationwide have intensified efforts in the ongoing war against drug abuse.
Furthermore, the NDLEA disclosed seizing another consignment hidden in noodle packs destined for Bayelsa creeks, and they also conducted operations resulting in the destruction of over 3 tonnes of cannabis in forests located in Edo State.
The apprehension of Agbazue and the agency’s continued efforts to combat drug trafficking underscore the NDLEA’s commitment to curbing the illicit drug trade and protecting the nation from the harmful effects of drug abuse.