Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) raided Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where several individuals preparing for the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia were caught ingesting wraps of cocaine. The raid occurred on Wednesday, June 5, 2024.
According to a statement released by Femi Babafemi, the agency’s spokesperson, the arrested individuals include Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34).
These four suspects were found in two rooms at the hotel, preparing to swallow 200 pellets of cocaine weighing 2.20 kilograms when NDLEA officers intervened. Each room contained 100 wraps of the Class A substance, intended for ingestion by the suspects.
Commending the efforts of the Lagos State Command’s operatives, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), praised the successful operation.
He affirmed the agency’s commitment to tracking, tracing, and apprehending criminals who attempt to exploit religious pilgrimages to conduct illegal activities, thereby tarnishing the country’s image.
Brig Gen Marwa also stated, “The Agency will collaborate with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that the designated recipients of seized illicit drug consignments are traced and dealt with accordingly.”
