The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended several intending pilgrims for the ongoing Hajj in Saudi Arabia, after discovering cocaine consignments.
The arrests followed a raid by NDLEA operatives at Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State. The suspects were caught ingesting wraps of cocaine ahead of their flight on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
The agency identified the arrested individuals as Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and Ayinla Kemi, 34. During the intelligence-led operation, NDLEA officers found 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms in two hotel rooms where the suspects were lodged. Each room contained 100 wraps of the substance.
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Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, confirmed in a statement on Thursday that two suspects were preparing to swallow 100 wraps each when they were apprehended.
Reacting to the incident, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) praised the Lagos State Command for the successful operation. He affirmed the agency’s commitment to tracking and arresting individuals attempting to use the pilgrimage as a cover for illegal activities, emphasizing the importance of protecting the country’s image.
The NDLEA boss also stated that “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.”
