Hajj 2024: How NDLEA Arrests Pilgrims in Lagos with Cocaine
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of several individuals planning to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, who were found in possession of cocaine. The NDLEA operatives conducted a raid on the Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where the suspects were staying. They were apprehended while attempting to ingest cocaine capsules on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, prior to their departure to Saudi Arabia.
The agency disclosed that the suspects arrested during the intelligence-driven operation are Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and Ayinla Kemi, 34. According to Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, the suspects were found in two rooms of the hotel, where they had prepared 200 pellets of cocaine, weighing a total of 2.20 kilograms, for ingestion. Officers discovered 100 wraps of the drug in each room, totaling 200 wraps, with each suspect intended to ingest 100 wraps.
Reacting to the arrests, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, praised the efforts of the Lagos State Command team responsible for the operation. Marwa emphasized that the agency will continue its efforts to identify and apprehend drug traffickers attempting to exploit religious pilgrimages for their illegal activities, thereby safeguarding the country’s image.
Marwa further stated that the NDLEA will collaborate with authorities in Saudi Arabia to track down and prosecute the intended recipients of the seized drugs, ensuring that those involved in these criminal activities face justice.
