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  • NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Fake Plantains, Fuel Tanks, Arrests UK-Based Woman

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered multiple drug trafficking operations across Nigeria, arresting several suspects, including a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman caught with cocaine disguised as fresh plantains at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

    The agency said the coordinated operations exposed increasingly sophisticated methods used by traffickers to conceal illicit drugs while investigations into the syndicates continue.

    Cocaine disguised as plantains

    NDLEA operatives arrested Mrs. Mary Yetunde Barek on Sunday, June 28, at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as she attempted to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

    A search of her luggage uncovered 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in 31 large wraps carefully moulded to resemble fresh hands of plantains. The fake plantains were mixed with other food items to avoid suspicion.

    According to the agency, Barek admitted ownership of the drugs during interrogation.

    PhD student linked to Malaysia-bound syndicate

    In a separate operation in Anambra State, NDLEA officers intercepted 5.8 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside cartons of Orijin bitters.

    The operation led to the arrest of 45-year-old Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, a PhD student allegedly linked to a drug trafficking syndicate with connections to Malaysia.

    Authorities said investigations are ongoing to identify other members of the network.

    Drugs concealed in fuel tanks

    In Taraba State, NDLEA operatives also intercepted 43,980 tramadol capsules hidden inside specially modified fuel tanks during a road operation.

    The agency disclosed that other raids conducted across different states resulted in the seizure of cannabis, methamphetamine and other prohibited substances.

    NDLEA vows sustained crackdown

    NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the operations reflect the agency’s determination to dismantle both local and international drug trafficking networks.

    He noted that traffickers are adopting more sophisticated concealment methods, but assured Nigerians that the agency remains committed to strengthening surveillance, disrupting criminal networks and raising public awareness about the dangers of illicit drugs.

    The NDLEA said investigations into all the cases are continuing as efforts intensify to identify and prosecute everyone connected to the drug syndicates.

  • NDLEA Arrests 63-Year-Old Chinese Woman Over ₦2.1bn Drug Shipment At Lagos Airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 63-year-old Chinese national, Ting Hung Kiong, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilogrammes of Canadian Loud into Nigeria through the Lagos airport.

    The suspect, who reportedly holds Malaysian citizenship, was intercepted at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport after arriving on an Emirates flight from Thailand through Dubai.

    Drugs Hidden Inside Travel Boxes

    According to the agency, the suspect arrived with two large travel boxes containing the synthetic strain of cannabis.

    Investigators said the woman claimed she worked as a caregiver in Malaysia and disclosed that her daughter sponsored her trip to Thailand before the drugs were allegedly handed over to her for delivery in Nigeria.

    NDLEA Intercepts ₦2.19bn Shipment

    In another operation, NDLEA operatives recovered 1,825,710 tablets of Tapentadol 250mg valued at about ₦2.19 billion at the Lagos airport cargo shed.

    The shipment reportedly arrived from India through Emirates Cargo and was later handed over by the Nigeria Customs Service after monitoring operations.

    Cocaine, Tramadol Recovered In Airports

    At the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, operatives arrested a suspect identified as Onyeka Emeka after he allegedly excreted 185.36 grammes of cocaine.

    Authorities said he arrived from Sierra Leone through Addis Ababa on an Ethiopian Airlines flight.

    In Abuja, NDLEA officers also arrested 29-year-old Babatunde Afekhide at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to travel to Italy.

    The agency said 10,280 pills of Tramadol and Tapentadol were discovered hidden inside his luggage.

    More Drug Busts Across Nigeria

    The anti-drug agency further disclosed that parcels containing MDMA, Tramadol and other substances concealed inside soap, body cream and bicycle luggage carriers were intercepted at a courier company in Lagos.

    In Edo State, operatives reportedly recovered 489kg of skunk cannabis and cannabis seeds during a raid in Owan East Local Government Area.

    Another raid in Ekiti State led to the seizure of over 1,116kg of skunk and the arrest of a suspect identified as Ogundana Adebayo Julius.

  • “Fake Malaria Drug Destroyed My Brother’s Kidney” — Family Cries Out Over Alleged Counterfeit Medication

    A Nigerian family has raised alarm over the growing circulation of alleged fake drugs after a young man reportedly developed severe kidney complications following malaria treatment.

    The emotional claim surfaced in a viral social media post accompanied by photos showing the victim receiving treatment in a hospital ward.

    “May God Punish Those Behind Fake Drugs”

    According to the family member who shared the post online, the victim allegedly reacted badly to malaria medication believed to be counterfeit.

    “This is my little brother. The malaria drug he was given led to his kidney issues. May God punish every single person involved in manufacturing fake drugs in Nigeria,” the relative wrote.

    The photos shared online showed the patient lying on a hospital bed connected to medical equipment believed to be used for dialysis and other emergency treatment procedures.

    Family Demands Stronger Regulation

    The family said the incident has left them devastated, calling on authorities to intensify efforts against fake and substandard drugs across the country.

    “This is heartbreaking. Nobody takes malaria drugs expecting to end up with kidney failure. We just want justice and stronger regulation so this doesn’t happen to another family,” the relative added.

    However, the family did not disclose the exact malaria medication involved, the hospital where the victim is receiving treatment, or when the incident occurred.

    Concerns Over Counterfeit Drugs

    The development has reignited concerns over the circulation of fake drugs in Nigeria, particularly medications used for common illnesses such as malaria.

    Health authorities, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), have repeatedly warned Nigerians against buying drugs from unlicensed vendors and unverified pharmacies.

    Experts have also advised members of the public to seek treatment only from registered hospitals and pharmacies to reduce the risks linked to counterfeit medication.

    The viral post has continued to generate reactions online, with many Nigerians lamenting the dangers posed by fake drugs and calling for stricter enforcement against illegal drug manufacturers and distributors.

  • FG Introduces Compulsory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students

    The Federal Government has announced compulsory drug tests for newly admitted and returning students in secondary schools across Nigeria.

    The policy was contained in the newly released National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

    FG Targets Rising Drug Abuse Among Students

    According to the government, the policy is aimed at reducing the growing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in the country.

    Officials said the initiative would help create a safer and healthier learning environment while improving students’ academic performance and mental health.

    The compulsory drug test policy Nigeria has already sparked conversations in latest Nigerian education news and public health discussions.

    New Students to Undergo Mandatory Drug Screening

    Under the new guidelines, all newly admitted secondary school students will be required to undergo drug tests before gaining full admission into schools.

    “All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” the document stated.

    The policy also directed schools to conduct periodic drug screenings for returning students at least once every academic session.

    Students Barred From Possessing Illegal Substances

    The government further warned students against possession or use of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities.

    “All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the guideline added.

    The Nigeria school drug test policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today amid growing concerns over youth substance abuse.

    FG Introduces Three-Stage Intervention Process

    The policy established a three-stage testing, counselling, and rehabilitation process for students who test positive to drug use.

    According to the guidelines, students who test positive during the first screening will undergo counselling and treatment approved by school authorities.

    If a student tests positive again, the school will refer the individual to professionals for further treatment and support.

    After a third positive result, the student may be temporarily suspended from school to undergo rehabilitation and professional care.

    Counselling Now Mandatory Before, After Tests

    The Federal Government also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing drug screening.

    The guidelines explained that pre-test counselling is meant to reduce anxiety, clarify expectations, and encourage cooperation among students.

    Meanwhile, post-test counselling is expected to help students understand their results and access appropriate support where necessary.

    Schools Directed to Set Up Disciplinary Committees

    The policy mandates every secondary school to establish disciplinary committees to enforce compliance with the guidelines.

    It also directed schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies where necessary.

    Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also face temporary suspension until they are considered stable enough to return to school.