The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned the public against falling victims of the antics of drug barons who have resorted to using Facebook and other social media platforms to recruit drug couriers for their illicit trade.
This was disclosed by the acting Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mrs Roli Bode-George, when the agency foiled an attempt by one Ezeabata Uju Gloria, 37, to smuggle a banned substance to Malaysia.
Ezeabata, who was believed to have been recruited under the guise of marriage proposal, was arrested with 1.325 kilogrammes of methamphetamine at the Muritala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).
Apart from the lady, also arrested was a drug kingpin of the gang that orchestrated her aborted trip.
Bode-George said: “The agency has uncovered plot by drug trafficking organisations to use the social media for recruitment of drug mules. After a painstaking surveillance, we have successfully foiled an attempt to smuggle drugs to Malaysia by a courier recruited online via Facebook.
“Members of the public should be wary of these antics, ascertain a wholesome relationship and report suspicious cases to the agency. Some of the tricks to watch out for include marriage proposals to unsuspecting female victims, unsolicited generosity like cash and other gift items as well as offering all-expense paid trip to Asia, Europe, America and South Africa.”