NDLEA Arrests Two 'Pilgrims' for Swallowing Cocaine on Their Way to Hajj

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered yet another disturbing attempt to smuggle illicit drugs during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. According to its Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), two individuals were recently arrested for ingesting cocaine while posing as Muslim pilgrims en route to Saudi Arabia.

Speaking on Wednesday during the inauguration of a Ministerial Committee on Drug Use Control, Marwa revealed the shocking discovery:

“Just a few days ago, we apprehended two intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia who had swallowed cocaine. They claimed to be going for Hajj.”

He described the act as a blatant abuse of religious sanctity and warned of a troubling pattern among drug syndicates exploiting sacred journeys for criminal gain.

The NDLEA Chief revealed that this was not an isolated case, recounting a previous incident where three women were tricked into drug trafficking under the guise of sponsorship:

“Two years ago, three women were defrauded. They were promised free Hajj trips tickets, visas, everything. Then they were handed a bag to deliver to a ‘relative’ in Saudi Arabia. The bag had cocaine sewn into it.”

Marwa stressed that these cases represent a recurrent danger where drug traffickers manipulate unsuspecting travelers, often using religion and charity as a cover for cross-border drug operations.

He urged greater vigilance, particularly during the Hajj season, as criminal groups continue to test national security boundaries.

Despite ongoing challenges, Marwa reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fighting drug abuse and trafficking. He admitted, however, that the NDLEA’s broader efforts under the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025) are being hampered by limited financial resources.