NDLEA Arrests 67-Year-Old Nigerian-British Woman with 13kg Cocaine Hidden in Fake Plantain Peels. Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British woman, Mary Yetunde Barek, for allegedly attempting to traffic 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in fake plantain peels at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
The suspect, who reportedly works as a caregiver in the United Kingdom, was apprehended at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the airport on Sunday, June 28, 2026, while preparing to board a Virgin Atlantic flight bound for London.According to the NDLEA, the illicit drug was carefully concealed inside artificial plantain peels packed among food items in the suspect’s luggage in an alleged attempt to evade security screening.
The anti-narcotics agency said investigations into the case are ongoing, reaffirming its commitment to combating drug trafficking and bringing those involved in the illicit trade to justice.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.