The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, Mary Yetunde Barek, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in fake plantain peels through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The suspect, a UK-based caregiver, was intercepted by NDLEA operatives on Sunday, June 28, while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.
According to the agency, a thorough search of her luggage led to the discovery of 31 wraps of cocaine weighing 13 kilograms. The illicit drugs had been carefully packaged to resemble fresh plantain peels in an apparent attempt to evade security checks.
Preliminary investigations indicated that Barek admitted ownership of the consignment during interrogation.
The NDLEA said investigations into the case are ongoing as the suspect is expected to face prosecution in accordance with the provisions of Nigeria’s drug control laws
