A 63-year-old Chinese woman, identified as Ting Hung Kiong, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for allegedly attempting to smuggle 31 kilograms of Canadian Loud into Nigeria.
The suspect was reportedly intercepted at the arrival hall of the airport during an intelligence-led operation carried out by NDLEA officers. According to the agency, the illicit substance was concealed inside two large travel boxes brought into the country by the suspect.
Reports indicate that the woman arrived in Lagos aboard an Emirates Airlines flight from Thailand through Dubai. Preliminary investigations revealed that she is a Chinese national said to be naturalised in Malaysia.
NDLEA officials disclosed that a detailed search conducted on the luggage led to the discovery of the drug consignment, identified as Canadian Loud, a potent synthetic strain of cannabis highly sought after in illegal drug markets.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly claimed she works as a caregiver in Malaysia and stated that her daughter sponsored the trip. She allegedly told investigators that the luggage containing the drugs was handed over to her in Thailand and that she was instructed to deliver it in Nigeria.
The anti-narcotics agency further stated that the arrest forms part of ongoing nationwide efforts to combat drug trafficking and substance abuse across the country. The agency has intensified surveillance at airports, seaports, and border points following rising cases of transnational drug smuggling operations.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), reportedly commended officers involved in the operation, urging them to remain committed to the fight against illegal drug trafficking in Nigeria.
The suspect is expected to face prosecution after the conclusion of investigations.
