In a striking new seizure, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted cocaine hidden inside traditional Nigerian ceremonial caps (“fila”) and headgears (“gele”) commonly worn as part of aso-ebi attire. The agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, revealed the discovery on his official X account, posting images and video footage of the cleverly disguised contraband.
Babafemi warned Nigerians against unwittingly becoming drug mules: “If anyone asks you to transport aso-ebi fila or gele to Europe or elsewhere, this latest #ndlea_nigeria seizure will make you think twice.” He urged the public to scrutinize requests to carry ceremonial clothing abroad, as traffickers exploit cultural items to conceal their cargo.
This bust follows recent high-profile operations by the NDLEA, including the interception of an oil tanker retrofitted with a hidden drug compartment. The agency continues to intensify efforts to dismantle sophisticated smuggling networks that leverage legitimate trade and cultural exchanges to move narcotics.
