NDLEA Nabs Brazilian Woman with N3bn Heroin Haul at Abuja Airport

A 30-year-old Brazilian, Ms. Ingrid Rosa Benevides, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, for attempting to smuggle 30.09 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria.

The illicit drug, valued at over N3 billion in street price, was concealed in factory-sealed coffee packs.

This was made known in a statement singed by Mr. Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, today (25/2/26).

According to the agency, the suspect, who works as a private security officer in Brazil, was intercepted on Friday, January 23, 2026, upon her arrival on Qatar Airways flight QR1431, following credible intelligence.

A search of her two checked-in bags revealed 21 factory-sealed packets of Brazilian coffee. However, further examination showed that the packs did not contain coffee but a white powdery substance, which later tested positive for heroin with a total weight of 30.09 kilograms.

During preliminary interrogation, Benevides reportedly claimed she brought the consignment into the country under the pretext of coming to Nigeria for a holiday.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA  has stated that its officers across commands and formations nationwide sustained their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization campaigns in the past week, targeting schools, places of worship, workplaces and communities as part of efforts to curb drug abuse and trafficking across the country.