According to Babafemi, the woman was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the airport while preparing to travel to Saudi Arabia. She had allegedly been asked to deliver the consignment to another person in the Middle Eastern country.
He warned that the traveller could have faced serious legal consequences had the drugs escaped detection in Nigeria and been discovered by Saudi Arabian authorities.
Babafemi reiterated the agency’s longstanding warning against accepting packages from others, regardless of whether the request comes from a friend, relative or acquaintance.
“We’ll never be tired of repeating this warning: Never accept any parcel or luggage from anyone or on behalf of anyone no matter how close you’re!” he wrote.
The NDLEA spokesperson urged Nigerians to prioritise their personal safety and freedom rather than agree to transport items out of fear of offending people who ask for such favours.
He stressed that travellers should avoid carrying any package whose contents they cannot independently verify.
“Choose to offend the person than go to jail. BE WISE!” Babafemi added.
He also encouraged members of the public to share the warning with friends and family to help prevent unsuspecting travellers from becoming involved in international drug trafficking.
The latest incident highlights the risks travellers may face when they agree to transport packages without knowing what they contain.
Drug traffickers can exploit personal relationships and the trust between acquaintances to persuade unsuspecting individuals to act as couriers for illicit substances across international borders.
Such arrangements can expose travellers to arrest, prosecution and other serious legal consequences, depending on the laws of the countries involved.
The NDLEA has repeatedly urged Nigerians to take responsibility for the contents of their luggage and refuse requests to carry items on behalf of others unless they can establish exactly what they are transporting.
The agency’s latest warning reinforces the need for vigilance among international travellers, particularly those accepting gifts, parcels or food containers for delivery abroad.
The NDLEA advised Nigerians to remain cautious and avoid risking their freedom by transporting suspicious or unverified consignments.
