CurrentReport Blog In a recent announcement, Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media and Advocacy for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), issued a cautionary advisory to travelers. The warning comes in response to a concerning incident involving two students who found themselves in legal trouble due to unknowingly transporting illicit substances in luggage entrusted to them by a friend.
According to Babafemi’s statement shared via his official account, the students, one of whom is a PhD candidate, were detained after bottles of codeine syrup were discovered concealed within luggage they were carrying for a female acquaintance studying abroad. Had it not been for the swift intervention of the NDLEA, the consequences for the students could have been severe, potentially resulting in imprisonment.
The incident underscores the importance of exercising caution when handling luggage, especially when its contents are unknown or entrusted by others. Babafemi reiterated the agency’s stance on the matter, emphasizing the risks associated with transporting items for individuals whose contents are not thoroughly vetted.
Furthermore, the statement shed light on the broader issue of drug trafficking, highlighting a recent instance where bags of opioids were concealed among spare parts in transit from Onitsha to Mubi in Adamawa. This alarming discovery serves as a stark reminder of the clandestine methods employed by traffickers to smuggle illicit substances across borders.
In light of these developments, travelers are urged to remain vigilant and exercise discretion when accepting responsibility for luggage, particularly from unfamiliar sources. By staying informed and cautious, individuals can play a vital role in combating drug trafficking and safeguarding themselves from unwitting involvement in illegal activities.
