“NDLEA Seizes Europe-Bound Cocaine and Opioids Hidden in Sanitary Pads”

Babatunji Wusu –

In a major drug enforcement operation, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a series of significant seizures involving cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids hidden in unconventional ways. The drugs were concealed within sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers and were destined for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus. The interceptions occurred at three different courier firms in Lagos State.

On September 3, 2024, NDLEA officers discovered cocaine hidden in hair cream containers intended for Ireland during an inspection. Just three days later, on September 6, another batch of 24 parcels containing a total of 862 grams of cocaine was found concealed in similar containers, this time bound for the UK.

Additionally, on September 3, NDLEA operatives intercepted a shipment of 525 pills of tramadol (225mg) and ecstasy (MDMA) hidden within sanitary pads, destined for Cyprus. The following day, another significant seizure was made: 200 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine, disguised as food items and herbs, were intercepted on their way to London.

Babafemi also reported that on September 6, a consignment of tramadol (225mg) buried in granulated melon, coming from Cameroon and heading to South Africa, was seized. Furthermore, on September 2, over 550,000 pills of tramadol were intercepted at Port Harcourt International Airport during a joint operation with the Nigerian Customs Service. This cargo, arriving from Delhi, India, led to the arrest of a suspect.

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy, highlighted the agency’s continued vigilance and commitment to tackling drug trafficking, underscoring their ongoing efforts to curb the flow of illegal substances both within Nigeria and beyond its borders.