The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 55-year-old Saudi Arabia-bound female pilgrim at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, for alleged narcotic ingestion.
The suspect identified Basira Iyabo Binuyo, from Kwara State, who was headed to Medina to perform the annual pilgrimage has excreted seventy-six (76) pellets of cocaine so far.
NDLEA commander at the Azikiwe Airport Abuja, Hamisu Lawan, said Binuyo is still under observation until she expels all the ingested pellets of drugs.
"Mrs Binuyo was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight to Medina through Dubai. She has so far excreted seventy-six (76) pellets of drugs that tested positive for cocaine. Meanwhile, she is still under observation until the drugs are completely expelled."
According to The Nation, in her statement to the NDLEA, the married mother of three and a trader at Dosumu Market, Lagos, said she wanted to expand her cosmetic business but I had no money.
"My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage. I was excited until I was asked to take drugs along. I wanted to decline but considering the offer of a million naira, I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina but I was caught in the process."
Meanwhile, officials at the Murtalla Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) intercepted a 37-year-old man from Imo State after he was found to have inserted seven wraps of cocaine weighing 355 grammes in his anus at the MMI. He was apprehended during outward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight to Hong Kong, China through Addis Ababa.
NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba said that the suspect, holds a dual citizenship of Nigeria and Mali.
"He hails from Imo State but was travelling with a Malian international passport. The name on his passport is Diara Sauduo while his Nigerian name is Okpalanem Henry. The case is under investigation."
The suspect in his statement said: "I know that there is capital punishment for drug trafficking in China but I was optimistic of safe passage. Unfortunately, I was caught with only seven wraps. Maybe that is my destiny. I am married with three children."
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd.) expressed satisfaction with the arrests, stating that it is a product of diligence and vigilance.
"The arrest of the suspects is commendable. We will continue to be on the alert in protecting all exit and entry points from drug trafficking organisations. I am glad that the suspects were arrested here thus preventing them from untimely death and also protecting the image of our country from disrepute."
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