The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a significant drug bust at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), arresting a 42-year-old Indian woman who was attempting to smuggle 72 parcels of heroin into Nigeria. The seizure, which took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, highlights the ongoing efforts by drug trafficking organizations to use foreign nationals to move illicit substances across Nigerian borders.
According to a statement from the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the arrested woman was found with 11 kilograms of heroin hidden inside her luggage. The heroin, which was packaged in 72 parcels, was sealed in wafer wraps and disguised as chocolates. The woman had arrived in Kano aboard a Qatar Airways flight, QR1431, from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha.
The interception of the heroin was the result of credible intelligence, which led to a thorough search of the woman’s luggage at the arrival hall of the airport. After the drugs were discovered, the suspect was immediately taken into custody for further investigation.
Babafemi emphasized that the arrest reflects the growing trend of drug trafficking organizations recruiting foreign nationals, especially white women, to transport illegal drugs through Nigerian airports. These attempts to bypass security are often thwarted by the vigilant NDLEA operatives, who rely on modern technological tools and intelligence to detect and prevent such crimes.
The successful operation at MAKIA comes amid a series of other successful drug seizures across the country. On Thursday, March 20, 2025, NDLEA officers in Kano arrested a 45-year-old man who was attempting to smuggle 50,000 tramadol pills concealed in a 50-litre steel gas cylinder. The drugs were discovered after officers, acting on credible intelligence, used welding tools to cut open the cylinder.
Additionally, on March 19, 2025, another male suspect was arrested in the Gunduwawa area of Kano with 27 kilograms of “skunk,” a potent strain of cannabis. Another woman was arrested on March 18 in Kano with 424 bottles of codeine-based syrup, a substance that has become increasingly popular in the abuse of prescription drugs.
The NDLEA’s efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking have not been limited to seizures alone. The agency has been intensifying its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign, with a focus on educating the public and raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse. Over the past week, NDLEA officers have visited schools, markets, workplaces, and places of worship across the country to deliver sensitization lectures.
The agency’s outreach has been particularly focused on educating young people about the dangers of drug abuse. Notable events included WADA sensitization lectures at Chrisland School in Ikeja, Lagos; Hakimi Secondary School in Mokwa, Niger State; Marist Comprehensive College in Nteje, Anambra State; and several other institutions across Nigeria.
Babafemi also reported that the NDLEA continues to engage communities in every region to reduce drug supply and demand. The agency’s educational efforts are designed to equip the public, especially young people, with the knowledge to make informed choices about drugs.
The NDLEA’s Chairman, retired Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, has praised the agency’s personnel at the MAKIA, Lagos, and Kano commands for their dedication and vigilance. Marwa commended the officers for their successful arrests and seizures, noting the balance between drug supply reduction and demand reduction efforts nationwide. He urged the officers to continue their work without relenting, emphasizing that the fight against drug abuse requires ongoing commitment and collaboration across all sectors.
The NDLEA’s ongoing success in combating drug trafficking and abuse is evident in the significant number of arrests and seizures made over the past months. The agency’s efforts have also led to the detection of large quantities of various illicit drugs, including heroin, tramadol, skunk, codeine syrup, and other substances commonly used in abuse.
The interception of heroin at Kano airport underscores a larger, global issue of drug trafficking through Nigeria. As a major transit hub for international drug trade, Nigeria continues to face challenges related to the smuggling of illicit substances through its airports, seaports, and land borders. This problem is compounded by the growing sophistication of drug trafficking networks that often use unsuspecting couriers, such as the 42-year-old Indian woman, to move drugs across international borders.
Despite these challenges, the NDLEA’s recent successes highlight the agency’s commitment to tackling drug abuse at both the national and international levels. With the help of advanced technology, intelligence-sharing, and proactive measures, the agency is making significant strides in reducing the flow of illegal drugs into Nigeria.
The consequences of drug trafficking and abuse extend far beyond law enforcement. The public health implications of widespread drug abuse are enormous, with many Nigerians, particularly young people, falling victim to addiction. Drugs like heroin, tramadol, and codeine-based syrups are often abused for recreational purposes, leading to increased rates of addiction, overdose, and related health issues.
The NDLEA’s efforts in drug prevention, education, and enforcement are crucial in mitigating these public health risks. By preventing the smuggling of illicit drugs into the country and raising awareness about the dangers of drug abuse, the agency plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the health and well-being of Nigerians.
The successful interception of the heroin shipment at Kano airport serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in the fight against drug trafficking. As drug traffickers continue to adapt their methods, the NDLEA must remain proactive in its operations. The agency’s success relies not only on its ability to detect and seize drugs but also on its ability to collaborate with international partners, improve technology, and engage communities in the fight against drug abuse.
For now, the 42-year-old Indian woman remains in custody as investigations continue, and the NDLEA’s fight against drug trafficking remains at the forefront of its national agenda.
With the support of the Nigerian government and international partners, the NDLEA is determined to continue its battle against the drug trade and to ensure that Nigeria’s borders remain secure from the dangerous flow of illegal substances.
