The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raised concern over the increasing number of Nigerians being arrested after receiving overseas consignments allegedly containing illicit drugs concealed by senders.
The agency warned that unsuspecting family members and friends in Nigeria could find themselves facing criminal investigations and prosecution after being listed as recipients of packages whose contents they may not know.
NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in a post on his official X handle on Sunday, revealing that some Nigerians abroad were allegedly using consolidated cargoes to send illicit substances, including Colorado and Loud strains of cannabis, into the country.
According to Babafemi, the recipients are sometimes unaware that drugs have been hidden inside the consignments until the packages are intercepted by NDLEA operatives.
He cautioned Nigerians against agreeing to receive packages on behalf of relatives or friends abroad when they are not certain about the contents.
Babafemi said several Nigerians were already behind bars over such consignments, with the number of arrests reportedly increasing as the agency intensifies its enforcement operations.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution, warning that accepting an unknown package could expose them to serious legal consequences.
The NDLEA spokesman advised Nigerians to prioritise their safety and avoid receiving consignments whose contents they cannot independently verify.
The agency’s warning comes amid growing concerns over the use of legitimate cargo channels to conceal and transport illicit drugs into Nigeria.
