NDLEA intercepts drug smugglers hiding narcotics in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, clothes

Abdullateef Fowewe

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs, and female clothes destined for the United States, United Kingdom, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The seizures were made at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a Lagos courier company, the agency announced on Sunday.

NDLEA’s Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, stated, “Consignments of illicit drugs concealed in frozen snails, electrical bulbs and female clothes heading to the United States, United Kingdom and Democratic Republic of Congo have been intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) and a courier company in Lagos.”

Two suspects linked to the smuggling attempts are currently in custody. Cargo agent Boladale Riliwan was arrested on October 7 after officers discovered 15 parcels of skunk—a potent cannabis strain—hidden inside 10 giant rechargeable electrical bulbs intended for airfreight to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Another arrest includes 48-year-old Olawale Oyebola Hakeemot, a UK-based Public Health Assistant, who was caught on October 12 at MMIA’s terminal 2.

She was found with 2,300 tramadol 225mg pills concealed in frozen snails in her luggage while en route to Manchester, United Kingdom.

Chairman of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), praised the efforts of officers from multiple commands, saying, “I urge them and their colleagues across the country not to relent in their ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.”