Benevides,the Brazilian woman. Credit to NDLEAThe National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded a significant victory in its anti-drug campaign with the seizure of 30 kilograms of heroin concealed in coffee packs at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria.
A Brazilian woman, identified as the courier, was arrested on January 23, 2026, during a routine screening of incoming luggage, marking a major blow to international drug trafficking networks targeting Nigeria.
The operation unfolded when NDLEA officers intercepted the suspect’s baggage from São Paulo, Brazil, on an Ethiopian Airlines flight. Upon inspection, the agency discovered the heroin expertly hidden inside sealed coffee packages, designed to evade detection.
The street value of the seized substance is estimated at over ₦10 billion, highlighting the scale of the attempted importation. The Brazilian national, who was traveling alone, has been taken into custody for further interrogation, with investigations underway to uncover potential accomplices in Nigeria and abroad.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest, stating that the agency remains committed to disrupting drug supply chains at entry points.
This seizure follows a series of successful interdictions at Nigerian airports, including recent busts at Lagos and Abuja involving cocaine and other narcotics. The operation demonstrates NDLEA’s enhanced use of advanced scanning technology and intelligence sharing with international partners like Brazil and the UNODC.
The incident underscores the persistent challenge of drug trafficking through African routes, with Nigeria serving as a key transit hub for heroin from South America to Europe and Asia.
Authorities have linked such imports to rising crime rates and health issues in local communities. The arrested woman faces charges under the NDLEA Act, with a court appearance pending.
This development reinforces Nigeria’s role in global anti-drug efforts, as NDLEA continues to collaborate with international agencies to combat transnational crime.