The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted a 30-year-old Brazilian woman attempting to smuggle 30.09 kilograms of heroin worth over N3 billion into Nigeria.
Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, who works as a private security officer in Brazil, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Friday, January 23, 2026, after intelligence-led operations flagged her for inspection.
The drugs were concealed inside 21 factory-sealed Brazilian coffee packs in her checked luggage. Preliminary interviews revealed that Benevides claimed to be visiting Nigeria for holidays.
This seizure marks the largest heroin bust at Abuja airport to date.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended officers for their professionalism and vigilance, noting that intelligence-driven operations remain key to Nigeria’s fight against drug trafficking.
The suspect remains in NDLEA custody, and investigations into her network are ongoing.
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