The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, Mary Yetunde Barek, over the alleged smuggling of 13 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in fake plantain peels at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The suspect, a caregiver based in the United Kingdom, was arrested on June 28 at Terminal 2 of the airport while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.
A search of her luggage reportedly uncovered 31 large wraps of cocaine disguised as plantain hands and packed alongside other food items.
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, said the suspect admitted ownership of the recovered drugs during questioning.
In a separate operation, operatives arrested a 45-year-old PhD student, Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, in Anambra State over an alleged attempt to export cocaine concealed inside cartons of Orijin Bitters destined for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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The agency said 5.8 kilogrammes of cocaine had earlier been intercepted in 36 parcels hidden inside the walls of nine cartons of the herbal drink. Investigations reportedly led to the student’s arrest after four other suspects were apprehended in Lagos.
The NDLEA also reported drug-related arrests and seizures in Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe states during the same period.
The arrests highlight the methods allegedly used by drug trafficking networks to conceal illicit substances in food items and commercial consignments. Such concealment techniques pose challenges for airport screening and cargo inspections.
The NDLEA continues to combine enforcement operations with public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing drug abuse and trafficking.
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