Don’t carry luggage you did not personally pack—NDLEA warns after recent discovery

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned travellers and shippers against carrying parcels or luggage they did not personally pack.

This follows the release of a video on Sunday showing operatives intercepting drugs concealed in baggage and courier items. 

The advisory aims to curb the growing tactic by drug syndicates who exploit unsuspecting individuals in trafficking operations.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi shared the footage on X, highlighting one of the agency’s recent drug busts. In the post, he urged the public to remain vigilant, stressing that trusting third-party parcels or luggage could have severe legal consequences.

The three-minute, 10-second video captures operatives uncovering narcotics hidden within seemingly ordinary travel bags and courier packages prepared for shipment.

The concealment methods appeared sophisticated, reinforcing concerns about the evolving tactics of trafficking networks.

Background

Authorities say drug syndicates increasingly rely on unsuspecting travellers, dispatch riders, and logistics handlers by planting illegal substances in items they did not pack or thoroughly inspect.

Victims, often unaware, risk arrest and prosecution when such items are discovered during security checks.

The NDLEA has repeatedly issued public advisories warning against accepting parcels from strangers or even acquaintances without verifying their contents, especially when travelling across borders or using courier services.

Officials emphasised that individuals found in possession of illicit drugs—regardless of intent—may face serious legal consequences under Nigerian law, making personal vigilance critical.

The agency reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and interception operations nationwide, while urging the public to cooperate with authorities and report suspicious activities linked to drug trafficking.