The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has cautioned Nigerians against receiving consolidated cargoes from relatives, friends or associates abroad without first confirming their contents.
The agency warned that some consignments sent into the country are being used to conceal illicit drugs, leaving unsuspecting recipients exposed to arrest and possible prosecution.
The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, raised the alarm in a post on X on Sunday, noting that some Nigerians abroad were allegedly sending cargoes containing substances such as Colorado and Loud to people in Nigeria.
According to him, the recipients are often listed as consignees even when they may have no knowledge of what the packages contain.
Babafemi urged Nigerians to reject requests to receive consignments on behalf of others when they are uncertain about the contents.
He said, “If you’re not part of the syndicate, don’t accept to receive consignments on behalf of your ‘abroad’ brother or sister or friend particularly if you don’t know the full content of the consignment.”
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The NDLEA spokesman added that several people were already in custody over similar cases, warning that the number of arrests could continue to rise as the agency intensifies its operations.
He urged members of the public to exercise caution to avoid being caught up in drug trafficking activities unknowingly.
The warning was accompanied by video footage showing NDLEA operatives unpacking large packages wrapped in black plastic. Clear plastic bags containing yellowish, lumpy substances suspected to be cannabis products were seen inside the packages.
The agency’s warning comes amid its continued efforts to disrupt international drug trafficking networks and prevent illicit substances from being brought into Nigeria.
Babafemi advised Nigerians to verify the contents of any consignment before agreeing to serve as recipients, stressing that ignorance of the contents may not prevent them from facing the consequences of a drug-related offence.