NDLEA Foils Cocaine Smuggling Attempt by "Pilgrims" Bound for Saudi Arabia

 

In a concerning development that highlights the audacious tactics of drug traffickers, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia by posing as pilgrims on the annual Hajj.

The startling revelation was made by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), yesterday, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja.

According to Marwa, the suspects had ingested the illicit substance, cunningly trying to blend in with devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage. "Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he stated, expressing grave concern over criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments.

Marwa recounted a similar deceptive scheme from two years prior, where three women were duped by individuals who offered to pay for their Hajj expenses. Unknown to them, a small bag they were given to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia had cocaine sewn into its lining.

Despite facing funding challenges that impact the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the NDLEA boss affirmed the agency's unwavering resolve. "We stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation," Marwa asserted.

He highlighted positive developments, particularly the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent. This amendment is expected to significantly bolster the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction.

Reviewing major programmes from 2023 and 2024, Marwa showcased commendable progress. Under the Supply Reduction pillar, NDLEA’s strategic offensives led to: The arrest of 31,334 drug offenders, with 6,839 convicted. The seizure of a staggering 4,333,636.9 kilograms of assorted illicit drugs. The destruction of 426.46724 hectares of cannabis farms.

Furthermore, under the Drug Demand Reduction strategic pillar, the agency provided counselling and rehabilitation services to 19,033 individuals, underscoring a holistic approach to combating drug abuse.

The arrests serve as a stern warning to those who would exploit sacred religious journeys for illicit purposes, reaffirming NDLEA's vigilance in protecting both national and international communities from the scourge of drug trafficking.