NDLEA Intercepts Europe-Bound Cocaine, Opioids Hidden In Sanitary Pads

In a significant drug bust, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted shipments of cocaine and pharmaceutical opioids concealed within sanitary pads and hair treatment cream containers.

Naija News reports that the shipments, destined for the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, were seized at three courier firms in Lagos State.

NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, revealed on Sunday that during an inspection on September 3, 2024, NDLEA officers discovered cocaine hidden in hair cream containers destined for Ireland.

Additionally, on September 6, 2024, another batch of 24 parcels containing 862 grams of cocaine was found in similar containers, this time intended for the UK.

In another operation, 525 pills of tramadol (225mg) and ecstasy (MDMA) concealed within sanitary pads were intercepted on September 3, 2024, at a different courier firm, headed for Cyprus.

The following day, NDLEA operatives seized a shipment of 200 ampoules of promethazine and pentazocine, disguised as food items and herbs, intended for London.

Babafemi said, “Another consignment of 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 862 grams also hidden in hair cream containers meant for delivery in UK was equally intercepted at the same company on Friday 6th September.

“In the same vein, a total of 525 pills of tramadol 225mg and ecstasy (MDMA) concealed in ladies’ sanitary pads going to Cyprus were seized at another courier firm in Lagos by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 3rd September, while a shipment of 200 ampoules of promethazine injection and pentazocine injection hidden in food items and herbs heading to London, UK, was also seized by operatives on Wednesday 4th September.

“Operatives equally intercepted another consignment of tramadol 225mg buried in granulated melon that came from Cameroon and going to South Africa on Friday 6th September.

“No fewer than 550,000 pills of tramadol were also intercepted at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Port Harcourt on Monday 2nd September during a joint examination of a cargo that came from Delhi, India, with men of the Nigerian Customs Service while a suspect was already arrested in connection with the seizure.”

Babafemi emphasized the NDLEA’s ongoing vigilance and efforts to combat drug trafficking in Nigeria.