NDLEA Arrests South African Woman With 36.65kg Cocaine at Lagos Airport

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 34-year-old South African woman, Qhina Beauty, with 36.65 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while attempting to board a flight to South Africa.

The agency also arrested a 46-year-old Lagos-based car dealer, Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe, over his alleged involvement in the drug trafficking operation.

According to a statement issued by the NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday, Qhina was arrested at the airport's departure hall on October 7, 2026, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa through Doha.

A search of her two travelling bags reportedly led to the discovery of 30 blocks of cocaine weighing 36.65kg. The drugs, according to the agency, were laced with dried pepper, wrapped in cello tape and packed into seven separate parcels.

“During her interview, she told operatives she arrived in Nigeria on 30th September specifically to pick up the consignment,” the statement said.

“She said she was recruited by another South African lady, who promised her R20,000 on successful delivery.”

The suspect also reportedly told investigators that she was introduced to two other members of the alleged trafficking syndicate, one based in the United States and the other a Lagos-based car dealer.

Following further investigations, NDLEA operatives arrested Umunnakwe on October 14 at Apple Junction, Ago Palace Way, Lagos, after conducting surveillance at his residence in the Shasha area of the state.

The agency said the car dealer admitted receiving Qhina at the airport, lodging her at Santiago Hotel in Amuwo-Odofin and subsequently moving her to Cynarisso Hotel near the airport ahead of her departure.

The NDLEA did not provide further details about the alleged involvement of the other persons Qhina reportedly identified or indicate whether they had been arrested.