South African woman was arrested by NDLEA with 36.65kg of cocaine at Lagos airport

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 34-year-old South African national, Qhina Beauty, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos after intercepting 36.65 kilograms of cocaine hidden in her luggage, according to a report by Sahara Reporters.

​According to a statement released on Sunday by NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended on October 7, 2026, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to South Africa via Doha. A search of her two travelling bags revealed 30 blocks of cocaine, which were laced with dried pepper, wrapped in cello tape, and packaged into seven separate parcels.

​During interrogation, Qhina stated that she arrived in Nigeria on September 30 specifically to transport the consignment after being recruited by another South African woman who promised her R20,000 upon successful delivery. She also implicated an international syndicate involving a U.S.-based contact and a local car dealer.

​Following further investigation, NDLEA operatives arrested the 46-year-old Lagos-based car dealer, Uchenna Victor Umunnakwe, on October 14 at Apple Junction in Ago Palace Way. Investigators reported that Umunnakwe admitted to receiving the suspect at the airport, arranging her hotel accommodation in Amuwo-Odofin, and facilitating her transit back to the airport ahead of her scheduled departure. The agency did not provide immediate details on additional syndicate members.