NDLEA Arrests Widow Using Fake Pregnancy to Smuggle Cocaine in Lagos | NewzUrban

 NDLEA Busts Widow Using Fake Pregnancy to Traffic Cocaine in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intensified its crackdown on drug trafficking, arresting a 50-year-old widow and fashion designer, Ifeoma Henrietta Ezewuike, for attempting to smuggle 1.3 kilograms of cocaine using a fake pregnancy disguise. This arrest, part of a broader nationwide operation, underscores the agency’s relentless efforts to curb Nigeria’s drug menace in 2025.Details of the ArrestEzewuike, a mother of one and owner of Golden Star Creation in Okota, Lagos, was apprehended on Friday, August 22, 2025, at a bus terminal in Jibowu, Yaba, while attempting to transport the cocaine to Abuja. The NDLEA discovered the drugs strapped to her body under a fake baby bump, a tactic used to evade detection. A follow-up raid on her residence in Ago Palace Way uncovered 200 grams of a cutting agent used in cocaine production. Ezewuike claimed she inherited the drug trade from her late husband, who died two years ago, despite running her fashion business for over 20 years.Nationwide NDLEA OperationsThe NDLEA’s recent efforts extend beyond this high-profile arrest. In Lagos, officers intercepted 90 parcels of Loud, a potent cannabis strain weighing 48.6kg, hidden in kitchen sink cartons imported from the United States on August 19, 2025. In Adamawa, a raid on the home of fugitive drug dealer Idris Garba led to the seizure of 354,480 tramadol pills and two vehicles, with associate Boniface Nnaji, 55, arrested. In Kano, NDLEA operatives nabbed suspects with 5,850 pregabaline capsules, 140 liters of codeine syrup, and 7,000 tramadol capsules. Across Taraba, Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti, the agency destroyed large cannabis farms, including 25,500kg in Delta and 25,025kg in Ondo, showcasing its aggressive stance against illicit drug networks.Key Takeaways

• Innovative Disguises: Ezewuike’s use of a fake pregnancy highlights the creative tactics traffickers employ to evade detection.
• NDLEA’s Vigilance: The agency’s nationwide operations, from Lagos to Kano, demonstrate a robust approach to tackling drug trafficking.
• Massive Seizures: Recent busts, including 48.6kg of cannabis and over 350,000 tramadol pills, reflect the scale of Nigeria’s drug challenge.
• Community Impact: NDLEA’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaigns continue to educate schools and communities, aiming for long-term prevention.

Why This MattersThe NDLEA’s operations signal a determined effort to disrupt drug trafficking networks, with Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commending officers for their dexterity. As Nigeria battles the socioeconomic impacts of drug abuse, such arrests and seizures are critical to safeguarding communities. Stay informed about NDLEA’s ongoing fight against illicit drugs and its impact on Nigeria’s future.
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