NDLEA Uncovers Drug Syndicate Using Hajj Pilgrims to Smuggle Cocaine to Saudi Arabia

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a sophisticated criminal syndicate that allegedly sponsors Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj with the covert intent of using them as drug couriers.

According to NDLEA spokespersons, the syndicate finances the pilgrimage expenses of selected individuals, particularly targeting those facing financial hardship, in exchange for their agreement—sometimes coerced—to smuggle illicit drugs, primarily cocaine, into Saudi Arabia. The agency stated that this disturbing tactic exploits the sanctity of the holy pilgrimage and endangers the lives of unsuspecting individuals, given Saudi Arabia’s strict anti-drug laws, which carry severe penalties, including the death sentence.

The NDLEA launched a targeted investigation after intelligence reports indicated unusual travel patterns and suspicious activity linked to certain Hajj travel groups. Several suspects have reportedly been arrested, and further investigations are ongoing to dismantle the entire network, which is believed to operate across multiple Nigerian states.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), Chairman of the NDLEA, condemned the syndicate’s actions and emphasized the agency's commitment to protecting the integrity of Nigerian pilgrims and preventing the country from being linked to international drug trafficking operations. He also urged pilgrims and their families to remain vigilant and report any suspicious sponsorship offers or travel arrangements to law enforcement.

This development comes just weeks before the peak of the annual Hajj pilgrimage, intensifying scrutiny around travel agencies and passenger vetting procedures.