NDLEA Arrests Makeup Artist at Lagos Airport with 2.2kg of Cocaine Concealed in Luggage
A 43-year-old makeup artist, Adekoya Adebukonla Mary, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, after being caught with 2.2 kilograms of cocaine hidden within the factory-fitted lining of her luggage.
The suspect was attempting to board a flight to India, claiming the trip was for fibroid surgery. However, her inconsistent statements and suspicious behavior prompted NDLEA officers to subject her baggage to an intensive inspection. The search uncovered the cocaine meticulously concealed inside the inner walls of her suitcase—a smuggling tactic the agency described as deceptive but not undetectable.
NDLEA officials have been praised for their vigilance, with this arrest underscoring their continued dedication to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating through Nigeria’s major entry and exit points. Authorities noted that traffickers are increasingly using individuals in respectable professions to evade detection and bypass airport security.
The agency expressed growing concern over the trend of professionals, including medical tourists and creatives, being co-opted into the illegal drug trade. NDLEA spokespersons reiterated the agency’s resolve to pursue and prosecute anyone involved in narcotics smuggling, regardless of background.
This latest bust comes amid a string of recent high-profile drug interceptions at Nigerian airports, reflecting the agency’s intensified efforts to combat the surge in narcotics trafficking. NDLEA has also called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity linked to drug-related crimes.
Adekoya Adebukonla Mary is currently in custody and will be charged accordingly. Her arrest serves as both a victory for drug law enforcement and a stark warning to others who may consider engaging in drug trafficking under the guise of legitimate travel.
As drug traffickers adopt increasingly sophisticated concealment strategies, the NDLEA remains committed to staying ahead through enhanced surveillance, intelligence gathering, and public cooperation.