The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, Mrs Mary Barek, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed in fake plantain peels through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The agency stated that the suspect, who works as a caregiver in the United Kingdom, was arrested at the departure hall of Terminal 2 of the airport on Saturday, June 28, while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London.
According to a statement on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the suspect’s luggage led to the discovery of 31 large wraps of cocaine disguised as hands of plantain and packed alongside other food items.
Babafemi stated, “A thorough search of her bags resulted in the discovery of 31 big wraps of cocaine, which were packaged to appear like hands of plantain, weighing a total of 13 kilograms.
“In her statement, the elderly woman admitted full ownership of the recovered cocaine exhibits.”
