NDLEA Arrests Hajj-Bound Pilgrims for Cocaine Trafficking
Pilgrims Caught Concealing Cocaine En Route to Saudi Arabia
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), has revealed the arrest of two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine under the guise of performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking in Abuja during the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting, Marwa disclosed that the suspects had ingested the drugs while pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he said.
NDLEA Warns Against Criminal Exploitation of Religious Pilgrimages
Marwa expressed concern over the alarming trend of criminal syndicates exploiting religious platforms such as Hajj to facilitate international drug trafficking. He recalled a similar case from two years ago involving three unsuspecting women:
“Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets and visas. Before they left, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag.”
The NDLEA boss warned that such exploitation of religion not only endangers lives but also undermines the spiritual sanctity of pilgrimages.
Progress Amid Challenges: NDLEA Reviews National Drug Control Efforts
Funding Hurdles and Legislative Support
Despite financial limitations impacting the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP 2021–2025), Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to its mission.
“We stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation,” he stated.
He welcomed the recent legislative progress made on the amendment of the NDLEA Act:
“The amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent. This will significantly strengthen our institutional capacity in drug supply reduction.”
Achievements Under the National Drug Control Master Plan
Reviewing achievements under the NDCMP in 2023 and 2024, Marwa reported:
31,334 arrests of drug offenders
6,839 convictions secured
4.33 million kg of illicit drugs seized
426.47 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed
19,033 individuals received counselling and rehabilitation services
These figures reflect progress under the strategic pillars of Supply Reduction and Drug Demand Reduction, integral to the NDCMP’s Fourth National Action Plan.
Federal Ministry of Justice Reaffirms Support
NDLEA Act Amendment and Legal Reinforcement
Representing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar, emphasized the importance of legal collaboration in enhancing Nigeria’s drug control systems.
“We are at the final stage of the amendment process for the NDLEA Act. This will significantly enhance the organizational capability of the Agency to combat substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.”
He further highlighted the Ministry’s involvement in managing proceeds of crime, a crucial component for dismantling the financial operations of drug trafficking networks.
Conclusion
The recent arrests signal the NDLEA’s continued vigilance against innovative and deceitful methods used by drug traffickers, including exploiting religious events like Hajj. With legislative reforms on the horizon and significant gains already recorded, the agency appears poised to intensify its fight against illicit drugs in Nigeria.
