The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has scored a major victory in its ongoing battle against drug trafficking, as operatives apprehended four individuals posing as intending pilgrims with cocaine consignments in Lagos.
According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the arrest was made following an intelligence-led operation at Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State.
The suspects, identified as Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34), were preparing to ingest wraps of cocaine before their flight.
NDLEA officers raided the hotel rooms where the suspects were lodged, discovering 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms. Each room contained 100 wraps of the Class A substance, with two suspects assigned to swallow 100 wraps each.
Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, commended the Commander, officers, and men of the Lagos State Command for their swift action in apprehending the suspects.
Marwa emphasized the agency’s commitment to tracking down criminal elements who exploit various avenues, including pilgrimage, for illicit activities that tarnish the country’s image.
Marwa stated, “The Agency will work with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments in any part of Saudi Arabia are also traced and dealt with accordingly.”
The successful operation underscores NDLEA’s resolve to clamp down on drug trafficking syndicates, safeguarding the nation’s reputation and protecting citizens from the devastating effects of narcotics.
