NDLEA Arrests South African Woman for Allegedly Smuggling 5.75kg of Heroin into NigeriaABUJA — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, identified as Will Ann, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 5.75 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
The agency said the suspect was arrested on Monday, July 6, 2026, during the inward clearance of passengers aboard Qatar Airways Flight QR1433 from Doha.According to the NDLEA, the suspect allegedly concealed 14 large blocks of heroin inside two suitcases while travelling with her three-year-old son.In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the suspect initially denied travelling with any checked-in luggage during routine screening.However, NDLEA operatives reportedly discovered that the baggage tags matched the claim tags attached to her passport, prompting further investigation.
The agency said the suspect subsequently admitted ownership of the two suitcases after being confronted with the evidence.The NDLEA said investigations into the case are ongoing, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening surveillance at the nation’s borders and airports to prevent the trafficking of illicit drugs into and out of Nigeria.
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.