Passengers at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) were left in shock as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered a sophisticated drug trafficking attempt disguised as an innocent snack.
A 42-year-old Indian woman, Ms. Neetu Neetu, was arrested on Friday, March 14, 2025, after officers discovered 72 parcels of heroin meticulously factory-sealed inside wafer wraps and packaged as chocolates.
The deadly consignment, weighing 11 kilograms, was intercepted during the inward clearance of a Qatar Airways flight QR1431 from Bangkok, Thailand, via Vietnam and Doha.
According to the NDLEA, the arrest was made possible through credible intelligence and thorough baggage checks.
The agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), reacted swiftly, warning that drug cartels are becoming more desperate by recruiting foreign nationals—especially white women—as unsuspecting couriers to evade detection.
“This case is a testament to the growing tricks of traffickers, but our officers remain ahead with modern technology and intelligence gathering,” Marwa said.
Neetu’s arrest adds to the long list of traffickers caught trying to smuggle dangerous substances into Nigeria under various disguises.
NDLEA officials say investigations are ongoing to uncover the syndicate behind this operation.
