The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed an organised criminal network that was using Hajj pilgrims as drug mules to smuggle cocaine to Saudi Arabia, arresting three alleged kingpins of the syndicate in Kano.
According to reports, the suspects – Abdulmunaf Sarina, Nasiru Abdullahi, and Nazifi Muhammad – were apprehended in a well-coordinated operation following weeks of surveillance.
The syndicate specialised in recruiting unsuspecting pilgrims and concealing cocaine in their luggage under the guise of performing the holy pilgrimage.
One of the suspects, Abdulmunaf Sarina, was intercepted at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport with 1.5kg of cocaine cleverly hidden in his travel bag. Another kingpin, Nasiru Abdullahi, was arrested at a hideout in Kano where he allegedly coordinated the drug trafficking operations. The third suspect, Nazifi Muhammad, was nabbed while attempting to board a flight with 2kg of cocaine concealed in a specially constructed compartment of his luggage.
NDLEA officials disclosed that the criminal network had been operating for some time, exploiting the Hajj pilgrimage season to move hard drugs internationally. The agency is currently working with Saudi Arabian authorities to identify and arrest other members of the syndicate who may have already traveled.
All three suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded. The agency vowed to intensify its crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates across the country, especially those targeting religious pilgrimages.
This latest bust comes as Saudi Arabian authorities have been tightening security measures against drug smuggling during the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which attracts millions of Muslims from around the world.
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