NDLEA Arrests Two Would-Be Pilgrims with Cocaine

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) apprehended two suspects attempting to smuggle cocaine under the guise of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj.

NDLEA Chairman and CEO, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), revealed this on May 28, 2025, during the opening session of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control in Abuja.

Marwa explained that the suspects had ingested the illegal substance while posing as devout Muslims heading for 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 voiced concern about the alarming trend of criminal networks using religious sentiments, particularly during Hajj, to smuggle drugs across borders.

“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 emphasized that although funding challenges have hampered the complete execution of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the agency has remained dedicated to its mission.

“Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation.

“Encouragingly, certain developments promise to bolster the achievement of our objectives. One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction.

“I am pleased to inform this esteemed assembly that the amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent,” he stated.

While reviewing major programmes implemented under the strategic pillars of the NDCMP in 2023 and 2024, Marwa noted that the agency made notable strides on the Fourth National Action Plan, showing progress compared to earlier versions.