NDLEA Arrests Teen With Meth Hidden in Crayfish, Seizes Drugs at Tincan Port

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 19-year-old student, Benjamin Nnamani Daberechi, for attempting to smuggle illicit drugs concealed inside crayfish while traveling to Europe for his studies.

The agency disclosed that the suspect was intercepted during an outward clearance of passengers at the airport while preparing to board a Turkish Airlines flight TK 0624.

According to a statement released on Sunday by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the arrest followed a routine check that uncovered suspicious items in the teenager’s luggage.

Babafemi stated that Daberechi had claimed he was traveling to Cyprus to pursue undergraduate studies. However, a thorough search of his belongings revealed a sack of crayfish carefully packed with a whitish substance later confirmed to be methamphetamine.

“The teenage suspect was intercepted during outward clearance. While being interviewed, he claimed to be a student en route to Cyprus, but upon a detailed search, he was found in possession of 7.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed inside crayfish,” the statement noted.

A field test conducted by NDLEA operatives confirmed that the substance tested positive for methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant known for its severe psychological and physical effects.

The arrest has raised fresh concerns about the increasing involvement of young Nigerians in drug trafficking, particularly those seeking to exploit international travel routes under the guise of pursuing education abroad.

In a related development, NDLEA operatives at the Tincan Port recorded another major breakthrough after intercepting a large consignment of illicit drugs concealed within imported goods.

The agency disclosed that a total of 116.5 kilograms of “Colorado,” a potent strain of cannabis, was discovered hidden inside a container loaded with used vehicle parts.

The container, identified with number FCIU 8459700, reportedly arrived at the port from Toronto, Canada, and contained three units of used vehicles.

According to the statement, the seizure was made possible following intelligence that prompted the agency to request a 100 percent examination of the container upon its arrival at the TICT terminal.

A joint inspection involving the NDLEA, the Nigeria Customs Service, the Department of State Services, and other stakeholders led to the discovery of the illicit drugs.

Officials found a total of 233 parcels of cannabis concealed in traveling bags strategically placed on the floor of the container and covered with used vehicle spare parts to evade detection.

The NDLEA noted that the seizures underscore the agency’s continued commitment to disrupting drug trafficking networks and preventing Nigeria from being used as a transit hub for illicit substances.

Authorities have reiterated calls for increased vigilance at ports, airports, and border points, emphasizing the need for collaboration among security agencies to combat the growing threat of drug trafficking.

The agency also warned young Nigerians against being lured into criminal activities under the promise of financial rewards or opportunities abroad, stressing that the consequences often include arrest, prosecution, and long-term damage to their future prospects.

Investigations into both cases are ongoing, with the NDLEA expected to track down other individuals connected to the trafficking networks.

The latest arrests form part of a broader crackdown by the agency aimed at curbing the flow of narcotics within and outside Nigeria, as officials continue to intensify surveillance and enforcement operations nationwide.