The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine while posing as Muslim pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), made this disclosure on Wednesday at the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting held in Abuja. According to Marwa, the suspects had ingested cocaine and disguised themselves as pilgrims intending to perform the holy rites.
“Just a few days ago, we apprehended two individuals who had swallowed cocaine under the guise of travelling for Hajj,” he stated.
Marwa raised concerns about the disturbing trend of criminal elements exploiting religious pilgrimages like Hajj to traffic drugs internationally. He cited past incidents, including the case of three women who were unknowingly used as drug couriers. “Two years ago, three women were deceived. They were promised fully-paid trips for Hajj and given bags to deliver to so-called relatives. Cocaine had been hidden in the bag linings without their knowledge,” he explained.
Despite financial constraints hindering full execution of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), Marwa affirmed the agency’s unwavering commitment to its mission. He highlighted recent developments expected to boost the agency’s effectiveness, including the amendment of the NDLEA Act.
“This amendment, passed by the National Assembly and currently awaiting presidential assent, will significantly enhance the agency’s capacity for drug supply reduction,” Marwa noted.
Reviewing the NDLEA’s performance under the National Drug Control Master Plan for 2023 and 2024, he reported substantial progress. “Through our supply reduction efforts, we arrested 31,334 drug offenders and secured 6,839 convictions. We also seized over 4.3 million kilograms of illicit drugs and destroyed 426 hectares of cannabis farms.”
Marwa added that under the Drug Demand Reduction pillar, the agency provided counselling and rehabilitation services to over 19,000 individuals.
Representing the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, expressed optimism about the positive impact of the NDLEA Act amendment. He emphasized the Justice Ministry’s collaboration with the NDLEA to strengthen legal frameworks, including efforts in managing proceeds of crime to disrupt drug trafficking networks.
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