The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a significant shipment of cocaine cleverly hidden in common food items such as granulated pepper, melon seeds, and yam flour. The shipment, valued at several million naira, was en route to the United Kingdom before being discovered by vigilant NDLEA operatives.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, disclosed the interception via his X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday. Sharing a video of the seized items, he highlighted the increasingly creative methods traffickers are using to conceal illegal drugs.
Babafemi stated, “The unimaginable places #ndlea_nigeria officers find illicit drugs these days will make you cringe and be more careful when dealing with humans. In this video is cocaine worth millions, concealed in granulated pepper, melon seeds, yam flour, and other items, bound for the UK.”
This interception follows a pattern of traffickers employing unconventional methods to smuggle drugs out of Nigeria. Earlier this year, the NDLEA uncovered consignments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids hidden in sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers at courier firms in Lagos. Those shipments were destined for the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus.
The incident underscores the NDLEA’s dedication to combating drug trafficking amidst ever-evolving smuggling tactics. Officials are calling for increased vigilance, public cooperation, and continued investment in advanced detection technologies to thwart the efforts of drug syndicates.
By maintaining proactive measures and public awareness, the NDLEA aims to sustain its track record of exposing drug trafficking schemes and safeguarding Nigeria’s borders.
