Odita Sunday 
NDLEA Nabs Brazilian Lady with ₦3bn Heroin at Abuja Airport, Seizes Explosives, Drugs Nationwide
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 30-year-old Brazilian woman, Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for attempting to smuggle heroin worth over ₦3 billion into Nigeria.
The Director of Media and Advocacy of the Agency, Femi Babafemi, said, “The suspect was arrested on Friday, January 23, 2026, upon her arrival on a Qatar Airways flight QR1431, following processed intelligence.”
He stated, “A search of her two checked-in bags revealed 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee concealing 30.09 kilograms of white heroin.”
According to him, “Laboratory analysis confirmed that the substances tested positive for heroin, making it the largest single seizure at the Abuja airport.”
Babafemi disclosed, “During her preliminary interview, she claimed she brought the drugs under the guise of coming to Nigeria for holidays.”
He added, “At the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, two passengers heading to Turkey were intercepted with 3,990 pills of tapentadol and tramaking concealed in food items.”
He said, “At Jakande Beach in Lekki, our Marine Command intercepted a wooden boat loaded with 1,848 kilograms of Ghana Loud cannabis.”
Babafemi further revealed, “Two suspects were arrested over the movement of 140 packets of explosives heading to Kano and Kaduna.”
He noted, “In Borno, 179,590 pills of tramadol and diazepam were intercepted, leading to the arrest of Rabiu Imam.”
According to him, “In Ekiti, Edo, Benue, Delta, Oyo, FCT, Lagos and Ondo states, several suspects were arrested with large consignments of skunk, opioids and other illicit substances.”
He stated, “A village head in Edo State was arrested with over 681kg of skunk and 181kg of cannabis seeds.”
Babafemi disclosed, “Across the country, NDLEA officers also intensified War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation programmes.”
He said, “These activities were carried out in schools, worship centres, workplaces and communities.”
According to him, “The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers for their professionalism and dedication.”
He concluded, “Officers nationwide have been enjoined to sustain high standards in drug supply and demand reduction efforts.”
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