Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Abuja, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a major breakthrough in its fight against international narcotics trafficking, intercepting 30.09 kilograms of heroin concealed inside factory-sealed coffee packs and arresting a 30-year-old Brazilian national at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Friday, 23 January 2026. The seizure, one of the largest ever recorded at the airport, underscores the scale of organised drug smuggling attempts targeting Nigeria’s borders.
Operatives acting on intelligence-led surveillance stopped the suspect, identified as Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, shortly after she arrived on a Qatar Airways flight (QR1431) from abroad. A thorough search of her two checked-in bags revealed 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee, which initial inspection suggested were ordinary imports. However, detailed examination uncovered that the packets were filled with a white substance later confirmed to be heroin, with a combined weight of 30.09 kg — valued at more than N3 billion on the streets.
The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described the operation as a significant victory in the agency’s efforts to disrupt sophisticated drug trafficking networks that exploit international flight routes and deceptive packaging to conceal illicit consignments. Officials noted that this interdiction represents the largest heroin haul ever seized at the Abuja airport, highlighting the evolving tactics traffickers employ.
During preliminary questioning, Ms. Benevides told investigators that she was in Nigeria ostensibly for a holiday. She reportedly works as a private security officer in Brazil. Authorities have yet to release further details about her travel history or possible connections to wider smuggling networks, and investigations are ongoing to determine the origin of the heroin shipment and whether she acted alone or as part of an organised syndicate.
The heroin consignment’s discovery triggered heightened activity among NDLEA teams, who have been intensifying operations across Nigeria’s airports, seaports and land borders to stem the inflow of hard drugs. This latest bust follows a pattern of increased seizures in recent weeks involving a range of illicit substances and concealment methods, reflecting both domestic and transnational trafficking challenges.
Officials emphasised that the use of innocuous commercial goods like coffee packs to smuggle dangerous drugs is part of an emerging trend among criminal networks seeking to evade detection by layering illicit products beneath legitimate merchandise. Such tactics complicate enforcement efforts and require enhanced vigilance, advanced screening techniques and robust international cooperation.
The NDLEA has assured the public that it will pursue all leads in the case, including tracing the supply chain behind the intercepted heroin. The agency also indicated that additional charges could be filed as inquiries continue and more evidence is gathered. Ms. Benevides is expected to appear in court once formal charges are prepared.
Nigeria’s Airports command and anti-narcotics officials have reiterated their commitment to strengthening border security and collaboration with global partners to prevent the country from becoming a transit point for illegal drugs. They urged travellers to comply with laws and warned that attempting to smuggle controlled substances into Nigeria carries severe penalties under national and international law.
The seizure comes amid broader national efforts to clamp down on drug trafficking and abuse, which have included large consignments of other controlled substances being intercepted across different states. Authorities say these operations are critical to protecting public health, safety and security while disrupting the financial networks that sustain organised crime.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments