Olayiwola Mercy
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 30-year-old Brazilian woman, Ingrid Benevides, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with 30.09 kilograms of heroin worth over N3 billion. The heroin was concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs in her checked bags. Benevides, a private security officer in Brazil, claimed she was visiting Nigeria for holidays.
The NDLEA acted on intelligence, intercepting Benevides upon her arrival on Qatar Airways flight QR1431. A search of her bags revealed 21 factory-sealed coffee packs containing the heroin. This seizure is the largest heroin bust at Abuja airport .
Benevides is being held for further investigation. The NDLEA has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, targeting international cartels and domestic suppliers. The agency’s efforts aim to protect Nigeria’s youth and curb the country’s role in global drug trafficking .
The NDLEA has made several recent arrests, including two passengers at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, with tramadol and tapentadol, and a wooden boat with 44 jumbo bags of Ghana Loud cannabis .
The agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) initiative continues, with sensitization programs in schools, worship centers, and communities. The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa, commended operatives for their efforts, urging continued vigilance.
The NDLEA’s operations have led to significant seizures, including 120 kilograms of skunk in Kaduna and 1,848 kilograms of cannabis in Lagos. The agency’s focus on intelligence-led operations has disrupted drug trafficking networks
The seizure highlights Nigeria’s role in international drug trafficking. The NDLEA’s efforts aim to protect the country’s borders and youth from illicit substances.
