SUNTV GLOBAL CHANNEL
Sunday, July 12, 2026
By SUNTV Global Channel News Desk
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, identified as Ms. Will Jessica Ann, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja for allegedly attempting to smuggle 5.75 kilograms of heroin into Nigeria.
According to the anti-narcotics agency, the suspect was apprehended during the inward clearance of passengers aboard Qatar Airways flight QR1433, which arrived in Abuja from Doha on Monday, July 6, 2026.
NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed that the suspect was travelling with her three-year-old son, allegedly in an attempt to avoid suspicion and security scrutiny.
Investigators said the woman initially denied checking in any luggage upon arrival. However, further examination reportedly revealed that two suitcases containing illicit substances carried baggage tags that matched those attached to her passport.
Faced with the evidence, the suspect allegedly admitted ownership of the luggage, claiming that she had forgotten she checked in the bags before boarding the flight.
A subsequent search by NDLEA operatives led to the discovery of 14 large blocks of heroin weighing a total of 5.75 kilograms concealed inside the suitcases.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect travelled from Cambodia through Doha before arriving in Nigeria.
The agency further disclosed that intelligence gathered so far suggests that the suspect may be linked to an international drug trafficking network operating between Cambodia and South Africa.
According to NDLEA officials, the network is allegedly coordinated from Cambodia, where the suspect’s husband or partner, identified as Jan Coenraad De Jager, is said to be based.
The agency stated that investigations into the case are ongoing as authorities intensify efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking syndicates operating across international borders.
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