NDLEA apprehend propose hajj pilgrims in a Hotel ingesting wraps of cocaine in Ladipo, Lagos State
During the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, several individuals intending to participate were apprehended by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for swallowing wraps of cocaine prior to their flight.
According to a statement from the spokesperson of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, a raid conducted at Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, led to the discovery of pilgrims ingesting cocaine wraps in preparation for their journey to the holy land. Those apprehended during the intelligence-led operation included Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34).
Babafemi disclosed that the four suspects were occupying two rooms in the hotel, where they had readied 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.2 kilograms to swallow before NDLEA officers intervened. Each room contained 100 wraps of the Class A substance, resulting in a total seizure of 200 wraps. As reported by Arise News
It was alleged that two suspects were assigned to ingest 100 wraps each.
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Retd), the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, commended the Commander, officers, and personnel of the Lagos State Command for their role in the operation. He emphasized the agency’s commitment to widening its surveillance to apprehend individuals attempting to conceal illicit activities under the guise of pilgrimage, actions that could tarnish the nation’s reputation.
Marwa also affirmed the agency’s collaboration with Saudi Arabian counterparts to track down and address recipients of seized illicit drug shipments within the country.
