NDLEA Uncovers Drugs Hidden in Candles and Clothing in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered illicit drugs cleverly concealed in incense candles and ladies’ wear in the Lekki area of Lagos. According to a statement by NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi on Sunday, the agency’s operatives discovered these drugs, which were intended to be smuggled in and out of Nigeria through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Babafemi detailed that the hidden drugs included consignments of cocaine and “loud,” a potent synthetic strain of cannabis, concealed in various items such as incense candles, game packs, dry hibiscus leaves, and ladies’ wear. Some suspects have been apprehended in connection with this operation.

A key arrest involved businessman Abdulwahab Owolabi Alebiosu, who was detained at his Horizon Court residence in Lekki on Thursday, July 18, 2024. His arrest followed the interception of a consignment containing 40 parcels of Loud, weighing 20.30 kg, which had been hidden in packs of chessboards, scrabbles, checkers, and poker sets. This shipment had arrived from Canada on a British Airways flight and was intercepted during a joint examination at the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport.

During a search of Alebiosu’s home, NDLEA operatives recovered additional exhibits, including drug paraphernalia such as a weighing scale and a cannabis potency test kit. Four vaping machines were also seized from his business premises on Admiralty Way, Lekki. Additionally, a Mikano black truck with registration number FST 657 HP was recovered from his residence.

In a related operation, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the MMIA intercepted two jumbo bags destined for Pakistan on Friday, July 19. These bags, which contained dried hibiscus leaves, dried bitter leaves, and other food items, were used to conceal four parcels of cocaine and 14 parcels of Loud, both weighing a total of 1.360 kg.

Further investigations led to the arrest of businesswoman Eze Queen Ogechi, who claimed she was sending the illicit consignment to Pakistan under the instruction of her brother, Eze Nnamdi Promise, who is based in South Asia.