The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah has warned Nigerians against trafficking in narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, saying that offenders will be severely sanctioned in line with the country’s anti-narcotic laws.
Abdallah gave the caution as the 55-year-old female pilgrim, arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, excreted the last wrap of cocaine she ingested.
Mrs Binuyo Basari Iyabo, while under observation of NDLEA officials, expelled 82 wraps of cocaine, weighing 931 grammes. She tested positive for drug ingestion on her way to Medina, Saudi Arabia on pilgrimage.
Interestingly, drug trafficking is punishable by death in Saudi Arabia, her final destination.
In a statement by NDLEA’s head of public affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, Abdallah described Binuyo’s action as shameful and discreditable.
“For a 55-year-old mother going on a holy pilgrimage to ingest narcotics, this is very shocking. The Agency shall invoke the powers of the law against her and others caught indulging in production/trafficking in narcotic drugs,” Abdallah said.
The NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan confirmed that Mrs. Binuyo expelled 82 wraps of cocaine while under observation, saying that arrangements had been concluded for her prosecution.
The suspect was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight to Dubai en-route Medina.
Mrs Binuyo hails from Irepodun local government area of Kwara State. She is married with three children and sells cosmetics at Dosunmu market, Lagos.
In her statement, Binuyo, who trades cosmetic in Lagos, said her bid to expand business made her commit the crime.
“My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage. This was how I got involved in the act. I was excited until the issue of drugs was introduced. I wanted to decline but it was late. Besides, I was offered a million naira, which I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina but I was caught in the process,” she told investigators.
NDLEA Chairman called on members of the public not to get involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities capable of exposing them to ridicule and undermining their good reputation.
