NDLEA Uncovers Tramadol Hidden in Frozen Snails and Electrical Bulbs at Lagos Airport

By Diafa Doubra,

In a dramatic operation at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a series of bizarre drug smuggling attempts involving tramadol pills concealed in frozen snails, female clothing, and electrical bulbs.

According to a statement released by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the illicit drugs were being prepared for export to the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The NDLEA revealed that the drugs were cleverly hidden within containers of frozen snails, rechargeable bulbs, and clothes to evade detection.

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with the smuggling attempt — a UK-based public health assistant and a cargo agent operating in Lagos. Both individuals are currently in NDLEA custody and are undergoing interrogation to identify other members of the drug trafficking network.

Babafemi praised the vigilance of NDLEA operatives at the airport, emphasizing that the agency will continue to frustrate the efforts of drug syndicates using unconventional methods to traffic narcotics out of Nigeria.

The latest discovery highlights the growing creativity of traffickers who constantly devise new ways to beat airport security systems. However, the NDLEA assured Nigerians that it remains committed to tightening border surveillance and ensuring that the country is not used as a transit route for illicit drugs.