The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has confirmed the arrest of two people, who attempted to smuggle cocaine while posing as pilgrims on their way to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.
Marwa said the suspects had ingested the illicit drug, pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on the holy pilgrimage.
“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,” he said.
The NDLEA boss expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments, especially during Hajj, to traffic drugs internationally.
“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj.
“Two years ago, three women were duped. Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets, and visas among others. Before they left, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia. Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag,” he recounted.
Marwa noted that despite funding challenges affecting the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the agency remained steadfast in its mission.
