NDLEA Intercepts Illicit Drugs Hidden In Frozen Snails, Electric Bulbs At Lagos Airport

 Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a sophisticated smuggling attempt involving multiple consignments of illicit drugs ingeniously concealed in frozen snails, electric bulbs, and female clothing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

In a statement released on Sunday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi revealed that the consignments were intended for export to the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The agency linked the shipments to a woman identified as Olawale Oyebola Hakeem, who is currently under investigation.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA operatives at the NAHCO export shed of the Lagos airport made the discovery during a routine cargo screening operation. The drugs, including quantities of cannabis sativa, tramadol, and methamphetamine, were ingeniously packed within frozen snails and light bulbs to evade detection.

“The ingenuity of the concealment method shows the lengths some traffickers will go to in their desperate bid to smuggle illicit substances out of the country,” Babafemi stated. “However, our officers remain vigilant and committed to dismantling every layer of these criminal networks.”

Preliminary investigations indicate that the consignments were prepared by a syndicate specializing in disguising narcotics as food items and household goods to beat airport security and international customs systems. NDLEA has launched a manhunt for other members of the network believed to be operating across Lagos and Ogun states.

The agency emphasized that the latest interception underscores the NDLEA’s commitment to blocking all trafficking routes and dismantling criminal supply chains.

“No matter how cleverly concealed, drugs will not pass through Nigeria’s airports undetected,” Babafemi added. “We are closing in on every link in this chain, from the local couriers to their foreign collaborators.”

This latest bust adds to a growing list of successful interdictions at Nigerian airports in recent months, as the NDLEA intensifies its crackdown on drug cartels targeting international routes.

The suspect, Olawale Oyebola Hakeem, is expected to face prosecution once investigations are concluded.