The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 34-year-old South African woman and a 62-year-old Nigerian-American grandmother over alleged drug trafficking at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
The agency said its operatives seized 36.65 kilograms of cocaine from the South African suspect, Qhina Beauty, and 9.45 kilograms of high-grade cannabis, popularly known as loud, from the US-based grandmother, Anetor Gloria Ubong.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed the arrests in a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026.
South African Woman Arrested With 36.65kg Cocaine
According to the NDLEA, Qhina was arrested on October 7 while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa through Doha.
A search of her luggage reportedly uncovered 30 blocks of cocaine concealed with dried pepper and packaged in seven parcels.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that she travelled to Nigeria specifically to collect the drugs after being promised 20,000 South African rand for successful delivery.
Further investigations led to the October 14 arrest of a Lagos-based car dealer, Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe, who allegedly assisted with her accommodation and movements.
US-Based Grandmother Intercepted With Cannabis
In another operation, NDLEA officers arrested 62-year-old Anetor Gloria Ubong on October 21 following her arrival from Houston, Texas.
The agency said officers discovered 18 parcels of cannabis weighing 9.45 kilograms inside her checked luggage.
Ubong, a realtor based in Richmond, Texas, reportedly claimed that her daughter and prospective son-in-law’s brother had arranged for the package to be delivered to Nigeria.
NDLEA Recovers Drugs Across Several States
Beyond the airport arrests, NDLEA operatives conducted multiple operations across Lagos, Delta, Kano, Bauchi, Niger, Edo, Ondo, Taraba and Oyo states.
In Delta State, officers arrested a 46-year-old woman living with a physical disability, Helen Bakporo Samson, allegedly found with six kilograms of cannabis.
Another suspect in Warri was intercepted with large quantities of tramadol, codeine syrup, diazepam and other controlled substances.
In Bauchi, officers recovered 379 kilograms of cannabis, while a raid in Ondo State led to the recovery of 583 kilograms.
The agency also reported destroying two cannabis farms in Edo State with an estimated yield exceeding two tonnes.
Other operations resulted in arrests and drug seizures in Kano, Taraba, Niger and Oyo states.
Marwa Orders Sustained Crackdown
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended officers involved in the operations for their vigilance and intelligence-led enforcement.
He urged commands nationwide to maintain pressure on drug trafficking networks and strengthen efforts against substance abuse.
The agency also continued its War Against Drug Abuse sensitisation campaigns in schools and communities across several states.
The suspects remain accused of drug-related offences, with the agency’s investigations forming part of its nationwide enforcement operations.
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