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๐Ÿ‡ณ๐Ÿ‡ฌ Nigeria /Crime & Justice

Grandmother, PhD Student Linked to Major Cocaine Busts as NDLEA Targets Drug Syndicates

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother attempting to smuggle 13 kg of cocaine to the UK.
  • In a separate operation, the agency dismantled a drug syndicate allegedly led by a Nigerian PhD student studying in Malaysia, intercepting cocaine hidden in Orijin Bitters cartons.
  • The NDLEA also seized tramadol concealed in vehicle fuel tanks and hundreds of kilograms of cannabis and methamphetamine in nationwide operations.

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its fight against international drug trafficking, recently making high-profile arrests that highlight the evolving tactics of criminal networks. Among those apprehended was a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, identified as Mrs. Mary Barek, who was caught at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

Intelligence once again indicates that the Russians are preparing a new massive strike. This is typical of Putin: right after America's Independence Day and before the NATO Summit in Ankara. Russia wants to bring more evil and kill people.

โ€” Volodymyr ZelenskyyWarning about a potential Russian attack ahead of the NATO summit.

NDLEA operatives discovered 31 large wraps of cocaine, ingeniously disguised as plantain peels and packed with food items, weighing a total of 13 kilograms in her luggage. Barek, employed as a caregiver in the UK, reportedly admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation, underscoring the agency's concern about the involvement of elderly individuals in transnational narcotics operations.

Any delay with missiles for our air defence - missiles for Patriots - means the loss of lives, and it encourages Russia to continue the war.

โ€” Volodymyr ZelenskyyAppealing to allies to expedite air defense support.

In another significant bust, the NDLEA dismantled a syndicate allegedly masterminded by Nwabueze Onyeka, a Nigerian PhD student at the University of Putra in Malaysia. This operation involved intercepting 36 parcels of cocaine, weighing 5.8 kilograms, concealed within the walls of cartons containing Orijin Bitters, a herbal alcoholic beverage. The shipment was destined for Kuala Lumpur.

The world has the necessary quantity and quality of air defence. What is needed are your decisions to ensure the real protection of lives in Ukraine. Above all, these are, of course, decisions by the United States, decisions by the strong countries in Europe and around the world.

โ€” Volodymyr ZelenskyyUrging prompt decisions from international partners on air defense.

The investigation into the Malaysia-bound cocaine led to the arrest of four initial suspects in Lagos, including a cargo agent, a driver, a market trader, and a supplier of the specially prepared cartons. The trail eventually led operatives to Anambra State, where Onyeka was apprehended in his village. These arrests are part of broader nationwide operations that also saw the seizure of 43,980 tramadol capsules hidden in vehicle fuel tanks and hundreds of kilograms of cannabis and methamphetamine.

Missiles for Patriots are needed not in warehouses right now, but in Patriot units in Ukraine. I thank everyone who is providing real help.

โ€” Volodymyr ZelenskyyEmphasizing the immediate need for Patriot missiles in Ukraine.
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Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.