NDLEA Seizes 13kg Cocaine Hidden in Fake Plantains at Lagos Airport

Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says it intercepted 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside fake plantain hands and arrested a Nigerian-British woman preparing to board a London-bound flight in what officials describe as part of a broader crackdown on international drug trafficking.

LAGOS, Nigeria — Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside fake plantain hands and arrested a Nigerian-British woman who was preparing to board a London-bound flight from Lagos in what the agency described as part of a wider nationwide operation targeting international drug trafficking.

The agency identified the suspect as Mary Yetunde Barek, 67, a caregiver based in the United Kingdom. According to the NDLEA, she was intercepted on 28 June at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

In a statement, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said officers searched her luggage after intelligence-led checks and allegedly discovered 31 individually wrapped packages of cocaine weighing a combined 13 kilograms. Investigators said the drugs had been moulded and packaged to resemble hands of plantain before being packed among food items in her luggage.

The NDLEA further alleged that Barek admitted ownership of the seized drugs during questioning. Nukunya News has not independently verified that claim, and the allegation has not been tested before a court.

Part of a broader anti-drug operation

The airport arrest formed part of a broader enforcement operation carried out across several Nigerian states, during which the NDLEA reported additional seizures of cocaine, methamphetamine, cannabis and tramadol, alongside multiple arrests linked to suspected drug trafficking networks.

Among those arrested was Nwabueze Felix Onyeka, whom the agency identified as a doctoral student at the University of Putra Malaysia. Investigators allege he was linked to a shipment of cocaine concealed inside cartons of a herbal drink destined for Kuala Lumpur. The NDLEA said the investigation also led to the arrest of several other suspects allegedly connected to the consignment.

The agency also announced arrests in Taraba, Kaduna, Ebonyi, Plateau and Gombe states during operations targeting methamphetamine, cannabis and tramadol trafficking.

Sophisticated concealment methods

The alleged concealment of cocaine inside imitation plantain hands illustrates increasingly sophisticated methods used by organised drug trafficking networks to disguise narcotics within ordinary consumer goods.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has repeatedly identified West Africa as an important transit region for cocaine trafficked from South America to European and other international markets. Law enforcement agencies have reported a growing use of food products, commercial cargo and everyday household items to conceal illicit drugs destined for overseas markets.

Nigeria’s international airports have become an important focus of intelligence-led anti-narcotics operations aimed at disrupting these trafficking routes.

UK connection

The case is also likely to attract attention in both Nigeria and the United Kingdom because the suspect is reported to be a Nigerian-British national employed as a caregiver in the UK. London remains one of Europe’s busiest international aviation hubs, making flights between West Africa and the UK a continuing focus for customs and border security agencies seeking to intercept illicit drug shipments. The NDLEA has not indicated whether investigators believe Barek was acting alone or whether inquiries are continuing into a wider trafficking network.

What happens next?

The agency has not announced when the suspect is expected to appear before a Nigerian court. Should charges be filed, the allegations will be determined through Nigeria’s judicial process. Barek is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless and until proven guilty by a court. The NDLEA said investigations into the case remain ongoing.

Crime & Justice Explainer

Understanding the NDLEA Investigation

This explainer summarises the publicly reported timeline, legal context and key facts surrounding the investigation announced by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been determined by a court.

Timeline

1. Timeline event one:

   28 June

   The NDLEA says Mary Yetunde Barek was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport before boarding a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.

2. Timeline event two:

   28 June

   Investigators allege officers discovered 31 packages said to contain approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine, concealed inside artificial plantain hands.

3. Timeline event three:

   5 July

   The NDLEA publicly announced the arrest as part of a nationwide anti-drug enforcement operation.

4. Timeline event four:

   Investigation

   Authorities say inquiries into the allegations remain ongoing.

Nukunya Analysis

Why This Matters

West Africa continues to be regarded by international law-enforcement agencies as an important transit corridor for cocaine trafficking between production centres in South America and consumer markets in Europe.

The allegations in this case also illustrate the increasingly sophisticated concealment techniques that organised criminal networks are accused of using to evade airport security and border inspections.

Regardless of the outcome of this investigation, the case demonstrates the continuing emphasis placed by regional authorities on intelligence-led screening at major international airports.

Key Takeaways

• The NDLEA alleges officers seized approximately 13 kilograms of cocaine at Lagos airport.
• Investigators say the suspected drugs were concealed inside artificial plantain hands.
• A Nigerian-British traveller bound for London was arrested during the operation.
• The announcement formed part of a wider nationwide anti-drug enforcement operation.
• The investigation remains ongoing and the allegations have not been determined by any court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mary Yetunde Barek?

The NDLEA identifies her as a 67-year-old Nigerian-British caregiver based in the United Kingdom.

Where was she arrested?

According to the NDLEA, she was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of Murtala Muhammed International Airport before boarding a London-bound flight.

How were the drugs allegedly concealed?

Investigators allege the cocaine was packaged to resemble plantain hands and placed among food items inside luggage.

Has she been convicted?

No. The NDLEA has announced allegations regarding the seizure, but the case has not yet been determined by a court. She remains entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty according to law.