The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two intending pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia with cocaine.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja.

Marwa spoke during the opening ceremony of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Drug Control meeting held in Abuja.

He said suspects ingested the illicit drug, pretending to be devout Muslims embarking on holy pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year’s hajj exercise.

“Just a few days ago, we arrested two would-be pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.

“They swallowed cocaine, pretending to be going to the country to pray,” he said.

The NDLEA Chairman expressed concern over the disturbing trend of criminal networks exploiting religious sentiments, especially during Hajj, to traffic drugs internationally.

“We have had incidents where people were deceived in the name of Hajj.

“Two years ago, three women were duped.

“Some individuals offered to pay for their tickets and visas, among others.

“Before they left, they were given a small bag to deliver to a supposed relative in Saudi Arabia.

“Unknown to them, cocaine had been sewn into the lining of the bag,” Marwa revealed.

He said in spite of noted funding challenge affecting the full implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan (2021–2025), the agency remained steadfast in its mission.

“Instead, we stay resolute, drawing strength from our shared vision, commitment, and collective responsibility to overcome this limitation.

“Encouragingly, certain developments promise to bolster the achievement of our objectives.

“One such step is the amendment of the NDLEA Act, which is expected to significantly strengthen the agency’s institutional capacity in drug supply reduction.

“I am pleased to inform this esteemed assembly that the amended Act has been passed by the National Assembly and is currently awaiting presidential assent,” he stated.