NDLEA operatives have apprehended four individuals who were planning to ingest cocaine before their flight on Wednesday, intending to embark on a pilgrimage. According to Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, the arrest occurred following a raid at the Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where some suspects stayed.

The arrested individuals are Usman Kamorudeen (31), Olasunkanmi Owolabi (46), Fatai Yekini (38), and Ayinla Kemi (34). They were found in possession of 200 pellets of cocaine, weighing 2.20 kilograms, which they had prepared to swallow when the NDLEA officers raided their rooms. Each room contained 100 wraps of the Class A substance.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig Gen. Mohamed Marwa (Retd), commended the Lagos State Command of the NDLEA for their efforts in conducting the operation. He emphasized the agency's commitment to tracking down and apprehending criminal elements who attempt to exploit pilgrimages for their illegal activities, which could tarnish the country's reputation.

Marwa also highlighted the agency's collaboration with counterparts in Saudi Arabia to ensure that individuals designated to receive seized illicit drug consignments in Saudi Arabia are identified and dealt with accordingly.