The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 24-year-old Thai woman, Ms. Pattaphi Wimonnat, attempting to smuggle 46.6 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a potent strain of synthetic cannabis, into Nigeria through Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
How the Arrest Happened
NDLEA operatives apprehended Wimonnat on Thursday during passenger clearance at Terminal 2, Lagos airport, following her arrival via Qatar Airways from Thailand through Doha, Qatar.
During a security check, officials discovered 43 parcels of the illicit drug carefully packed in her luggage. The suspect later confessed to being a hired drug courier, revealing that she was promised $3,000 upon successful delivery of the consignment in Nigeria.
More Drug Busts in Lagos & Rivers
The agency also foiled another smuggling attempt at MMIA’s export shed on Friday, preventing a drug syndicate from trafficking 42.2kg of Ghanaian Loud to London, UK.
Arrests made:
- Three suspects, including a freight agent and two dispatch riders, were initially detained.
- The operation led to the arrest of Samuel Bitris, the mastermind, at Exodus Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Additionally, NDLEA officers at Port Harcourt Port Complex (PHPC), Rivers State, intercepted 49 cartons containing 49,000 pills of Tamol (Tramadol 225mg) during a joint inspection with Customs officials.
Major Drug Seizures in Niger & Nasarawa
NDLEA operatives continued their crackdown on drug trafficking with successful raids in:
- Nasarawa State: Arrest of Bello Adamu (40) and Pius Azuka (42) with 517kg of skunk in Kokona/Keffi.
- Niger State: Arrest of Usman Ruwa (43) and Yunusa Haruna (45) in a Toyota Corolla carrying 62.7kg of skunk along Sabon Asibiti Road, Kontagora.
NDLEA Boss Commends Officers
Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), NDLEA Chairman, praised the MMIA, PHPC, Niger, and Nasarawa Commands for their successful drug enforcement operations.
He emphasized that the agency’s commitment to a balanced approach in reducing drug supply and demand remains strong.
