NDLEA Busts Makeup Artist With Cocaine, Intercepts Drugs Across 9 States in Major Operations

By Nigeria Time News Staff

LAGOS, Nigeria — June 22, 2025 — A nationwide crackdown by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has led to a series of arrests and seizures involving hard drugs and traffickers across nine Nigerian states. Among the most shocking incidents is the arrest of a 43-year-old female makeup artist, Adekoya Adebukonla Mary, who attempted to smuggle 2.2 kilograms of cocaine through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

Make-Up Artist Caught Smuggling Cocaine to India

Mary, who claimed she was traveling to India for fibroid surgery, was apprehended on Monday, June 16, 2025, after NDLEA operatives discovered 2.20kg of cocaine expertly concealed in the walls of her suitcase. The arrest came following credible intelligence and surveillance efforts. She was intercepted at the point of boarding a Qatar Airways flight en route to Doha, then India.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed she was recruited for the mission by a known drug kingpin, Akeem Ayinde Adekanbi, the owner of Rockford Hotel in Ogun State. The baron is currently at large and believed to reside in the Igbogbo area of Ikorodu, Lagos.

Courier Firms: Drugs Hidden in Clothes and Hangers

NDLEA agents from the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation (DOGI) intercepted multiple shipments at courier companies in Lagos. On Wednesday, June 18, 850 grams of cocaine were found hidden inside cloth hangers destined for Australia. A day later, 1.3kg of “Loud” cannabis was intercepted, cleverly stuffed inside female dresses and headed to Bahrain.

Bauchi & Kaduna: Massive Pill and Cannabis Hauls

In Bauchi State, two suspects—Ibrahim Galadima (37) and Ibrahim Muhammed (28)—were arrested along Bauchi-Darazo road with over 1,013,000 opioid pills, including tramadol, diazepam, and exol-5.

In Kaduna, a separate bust on June 17 led to the arrest of Bishir Isyaku (38) along Kaduna-Zaria expressway. He was transporting 14.2kg of skunk and 198kg of rubber solution concealed in charcoal sacks and cartons.

Federal Capital Territory: Raids in Karu and Torabora

Six individuals were arrested in coordinated NDLEA raids in Karu Abattoir and Torabora in the FCT. The seizures included 6.9kg of skunk and 59 grams of methamphetamine.

Kano: Young Traffickers, Massive Drug Loads

In Kano, officers arrested Umar Hamisu (19) and Dahiru Abdullahi (32) with 56.2kg of skunk on Zaria-Kano road. Additional arrests included Obiwuru Henry (27) found with 23,720 tramadol capsules and 1,400 ampoules of pentazocine. Others caught include Abubakar Modu (60) with 36.6kg and Abdulkadir Muhammed (28) with 32kg of skunk.

Kwara: Polytechnic Student Arrested for Drug Sales

In Ilorin, NDLEA arrested Olotin Nifemi (22), a student of Kwara State Polytechnic known for selling drugs to fellow students. She was caught with 1kg of skunk at her residence near the school.

Edo: Over 4,200kg of Cannabis Destroyed in Forest Raid

In a forest operation in Ugbada Camp, Uzebba, Owan West LGA, 4,226.11kg of skunk was destroyed and Albert Shamaki (33) was arrested. Additional raids in Emado and Igueben led to the arrests of Esther Abumere (28) and Eko Gift (38), with drugs including Colorado, Molly, Tramadol, and skunk recovered.

WADA Advocacy Expands to Schools and Traditional Institutions

As part of its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign, NDLEA organized sensitization lectures across states including Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kano, and Enugu. A special advocacy visit was also paid to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, by the Osun State Command.

NDLEA Chief Praises Nationwide Effort

NDLEA Chairman/CEO Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended officers across MMIA, DOGI, Bauchi, Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Edo, and FCT for their relentless efforts in drug supply and demand reduction.

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Original Source Credit: NDLEA Media & Advocacy | Sunday 22 June 2025