BREAKING: NDLEA intercepts 30 KG of Heroin price N3 Billion at Abuja Airport [PHOTOS]
Operatives of the Nationwide Drug Legislation Enforcement Company (NDLEA) have recorded a significant breakthrough in Abuja after arresting a 30-year-old Brazilian girl, Ingrid Rosa Benevides, for allegedly making an attempt to smuggle 30.09 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria.
The suspect was taken into custody on the Nnamdi Azikiwe Worldwide Airport on Friday, January 23, 2026, shortly after arriving on a Qatar Airways flight, QR1431. NDLEA officers stated the arrest adopted intelligence-led surveillance concentrating on suspected drug couriers on worldwide routes into the nation.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the company’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that officers found 21 factory-sealed packs of Brazilian espresso inside two checked-in luggage belonging to the passenger.
Babafemi defined that though the objects appeared like common espresso merchandise, a more in-depth inspection revealed they contained a white substance which later examined constructive for heroin. The full weight of the seized narcotics was positioned at 30.09 kilograms, with an estimated avenue worth of over N3 billion.
NDLEA additionally described the haul as the most important heroin seizure ever made on the Abuja airport.
Throughout preliminary questioning, Benevides, who reportedly works as a personal safety officer in Brazil, claimed she travelled to Nigeria on vacation. The company stated investigations have been ongoing to find out the origin of the cargo and the community behind the tried importation.
In Lagos, NDLEA operatives on the Murtala Muhammed Worldwide Airport, Ikeja, intercepted two passengers making an attempt to journey to Istanbul, Turkey, with suspected opioids hid in meals packs.
The suspects have been recognized as Adediran Adedoyin and Afatakpa Ochuko. Officers stated they have been arrested on Tuesday, January 20, whereas boarding a Turkish Airways flight. A search of their baggage reportedly led to the invention of three,990 capsules of tapentadol 250mg and tramaking 225mg hidden amongst meals objects packed of their luggage.
Additionally in Lagos, NDLEA’s Marine Command recovered a big hashish consignment after intercepting a picket boat at Jakande Seaside, Lekki.
The company stated the operation was carried out round 1am on Thursday, January 22, following actionable intelligence. NDLEA officers reportedly stormed the seashore and recovered 44 jumbo luggage of “Ghana Loud,” a high-strength pressure of hashish, weighing 1,848 kilograms. The boat used to convey the medicine was additionally seized.
Babafemi stated the collection of arrests and seizures displays the NDLEA’s intensified clampdown on drug trafficking syndicates exploiting Nigeria’s airports, borders and waterways for illicit commerce.
He added that suspects linked to the instances might be charged in court docket on the conclusion of ongoing investigations.
