NDLEA Arrests Two Pilgrims for Cocaine Trafficking, Highlights Drug Control Progress

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has revealed the arrest of two individuals who attempted to smuggle cocaine into Saudi Arabia while disguising as pilgrims for the annual Hajj.

Speaking on Wednesday during the opening of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting in Abuja, Marwa condemned the disturbing trend of drug traffickers exploiting religious pilgrimages for illegal activities.

“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” Marwa said.

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He warned that criminal networks have increasingly used Hajj as a cover for international drug trafficking, often deceiving unsuspecting victims.

“Two years ago, three women were duped. Some individuals offered to pay for their travel expenses. Before departure, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag without their knowledge,” he recalled.

Despite funding constraints affecting the National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021–2025, Marwa affirmed that the agency remains committed to combating drug abuse and trafficking.

He pointed to the amendment of the NDLEA Act, recently passed by the National Assembly and awaiting Presidential assent, as a significant step toward enhancing institutional capacity and drug supply reduction efforts.

“We stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility… The amended Act, once signed into law, will significantly strengthen our operations,” he added.

Operational Achievements in 2023–2024

Reviewing the agency’s performance under the Fourth National Action Plan, Marwa highlighted major accomplishments:

• 31,334 drug offenders arrested, with 6,839 convictions secured

• 4,333,636.9 kg of illicit drugs seized

• 426.47 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed

• 19,033 individuals received counselling and rehabilitation under the Drug Demand Reduction pillar

Support from the Ministry of Justice

Representing the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, reiterated the ministry’s support for NDLEA’s reform efforts.

“We are at the final stage of amending the NDLEA Act. Once signed by President Bola Tinubu, it will significantly enhance the agency’s capacity to combat drug abuse and trafficking,” Abubakar stated.

He added that the ministry is also working with the NDLEA on proceeds of crime management, a critical strategy in dismantling the financial networks behind Nigeria’s drug trade.

The NDLEA boss closed his remarks by urging all stakeholders to sustain momentum in fighting drug abuse and trafficking, noting that collective national resolve is key to securing Nigeria’s future.