NDLEA Raises Alarm Over Drug Traffickers Swallowing Drugs on Sahara Route
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a dangerous new method used by drug traffickers, revealing that smugglers now ingest illicit substances to evade detection while traveling through the Sahara en route to Europe.
According to the agency, traffickers swallow drug pellets before embarking on the risky overland journey across the Sahara Desert, a route increasingly used to bypass tighter airport and seaport security. Officials warned that the practice poses severe health risks, including the possibility of death if the drug capsules rupture inside the body.
NDLEA spokespersons said the discovery was made during recent intelligence operations targeting transnational trafficking networks. The agency noted that the shift in tactics reflects growing desperation among traffickers and heightened enforcement at conventional entry and exit points.
Authorities also highlighted the dangers associated with the Sahara route, including extreme weather conditions, dehydration, and exploitation by criminal syndicates operating along the corridor.
The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying surveillance and collaboration with international partners to disrupt trafficking networks and prevent the spread of illicit drugs.
Security experts say the development underscores the evolving nature of drug smuggling and the need for adaptive strategies to combat organized crime.
The agency urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, as efforts continue to curb drug trafficking and protect public health and safety.
