NDLEA arrests Nigerian-British grandma with 13kg cocaine, recovers large tramadol consignments

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman at Lagos's Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) for attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of cocaine to London.

The drugs were discovered concealed within what appeared to be real plantain peels, packed among other food items in her luggage. The suspect, identified as a caregiver in the UK, was apprehended in the departure hall while trying to board a Virgin Atlantic flight. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi stated that the woman admitted full ownership of the cocaine, which was found in 31 large wraps.

In a separate operation in Anambra State, a 45-year-old PhD student from Malaysia was arrested in connection with the seizure of 5.80 kilograms of cocaine. The drugs were hidden within the walls of cartons containing Orijin bitters, part of a consolidated cargo destined for Kuala Lumpur. This arrest followed an investigation that led to the apprehension of four other individuals in Lagos, including a driver and a trader involved in the consignment's handling.

The NDLEA also reported significant seizures in Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Plateau states. Operatives in Taraba intercepted 43,980 Tramadol capsules. In Kaduna, 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine were seized, leading to two arrests. Additionally, a 65-year-old man was arrested in Ebonyi with 231.7 kilograms of skunk, and a 75-year-old man was apprehended in Plateau State with 15 kilograms of the same substance.

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In her statement, the elderly woman admitted full ownership of the recovered cocaine exhibits.