A 24-year-old Thai woman, Pattaphi Wimonnat, has been arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos for attempting to smuggle 46.60 kilograms of Canadian Loud, a synthetic strain of cannabis, into Nigeria. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the illicit drug shipment during a routine passenger clearance process on February 20, 2025.
The arrest has sparked discussions about international drug trafficking networks and the role of foreign couriers in smuggling drugs into Nigeria. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to dismantle drug cartels and prevent illegal drug circulation.
Details of the Arrest
Wimonnat was apprehended after NDLEA operatives discovered 43 parcels of Canadian Loud hidden in her luggage. She was traveling on a Qatar Airways flight from Thailand, with a stopover in Doha, Qatar.
How the Drug Smuggling Was Discovered
During the inward clearance of passengers, NDLEA officers at Terminal 2 of Lagos Airport became suspicious of Wimonnat’s luggage. A thorough search revealed neatly packed parcels of cannabis, cleverly hidden in her boxes.
Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a hired drug trafficker. She revealed that she had been recruited by a drug cartel that promised her a payment of $3,000 for successfully delivering the illicit drug consignment in Nigeria.
Official Statement from NDLEA
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency is committed to tackling drug trafficking at Nigerian entry points.
“The suspect, who confessed to being a courier, was arrested on Thursday, February 20, 2025, during the inward clearance of passengers on a Qatar Airways flight from Thailand via Doha. She admitted that she was recruited by a drug cartel and was promised $3,000 upon successful delivery,” Babafemi stated.
Other Drug Trafficking Cases Uncovered by NDLEA
UK-Bound Drug Shipment Seized in Lagos
On February 21, 2025, just a day after Wimonnat’s arrest, NDLEA operatives intercepted a separate drug shipment at the Lagos Airport. This consignment consisted of 68 parcels of Ghanaian Loud, weighing 42.2 kilograms. The drugs were concealed in the walls of crated cartons destined for London, UK.
NDLEA arrested three suspects, including a freight agent and two dispatch riders, who were linked to the shipment. Further investigation led to the arrest of the mastermind, Samuel Bitris, at his residence in Exodus Estate, Ajah, Lagos.
Seizure of Tramadol at Port Harcourt Port
In another operation on February 20, 2025, NDLEA officers at the Port Harcourt Port Complex (PHPC) in Rivers State intercepted a shipment of 49,000 pills of Tamol (a brand of Tramadol 225mg) hidden in 49 cartons. The discovery was made during a joint examination of a 40-foot container with officials from the Nigeria Customs Service and other security agencies.
Drug Interceptions in Nasarawa and Niger States
The crackdown on drug trafficking extended beyond airports and ports.
- In Nasarawa State, two suspects—Bello Adamu (40) and Pius Azuka (42)—were arrested on February 22, 2025, with 517 kilograms of skunk.
- In Niger State, NDLEA intercepted a Toyota Corolla car on February 20, 2025, along the Sabon Asibiti road in Kontagora. Two suspects, Usman Ruwa (43) and Yunusa Haruna (45), were caught transporting 62.7 kilograms of skunk.
The Growing Threat of International Drug Trafficking
How Foreign Drug Couriers Are Exploited
The arrest of Pattaphi Wimonnat is not an isolated case. Drug cartels often exploit foreign nationals, particularly women, as couriers to smuggle drugs into Nigeria. These individuals are promised substantial financial rewards, but many end up being arrested, imprisoned, or even facing severe legal consequences.
This method of trafficking is not new. Similar cases have been recorded in Nigeria and other countries where traffickers attempt to smuggle drugs using unsuspecting couriers or those desperate for quick financial gain.
Nigerian Drug Cartels and International Connections
Nigeria has become a transit point for international drug trafficking, with cartels forming networks with syndicates in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The recent arrests demonstrate that drug smugglers are using new strategies, including concealed shipments and human couriers, to bypass security measures.
NDLEA’s War Against Drug Trafficking
NDLEA’s Efforts to Curb Drug Smuggling
Under the leadership of NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), the agency has intensified its war against drug abuse and trafficking.
“Our officers are working tirelessly to prevent drug traffickers from using Nigeria as a transit hub. These recent arrests show that we remain committed to tackling this menace at all levels,” Marwa stated.
Preventive Measures and Public Awareness
Apart from enforcing drug laws, NDLEA is also focusing on public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the dangers of drug abuse. The agency has been organizing sensitization programs in schools, religious centers, workplaces, and communities.
In the past week, NDLEA conducted awareness campaigns at:
- Maku Grammar School, Tapa, Oyo State
- Comprehensive Secondary School, Orogwe, Imo State
- Jama’atu Islamiyya Secondary School, Ankpa, Kogi State
- Owerri-Aba Primary School, Ugwunagba, Imo State
These programs aim to reduce drug abuse among youths and prevent individuals from being lured into drug trafficking by criminal syndicates.
What Happens Next? Legal Actions and Consequences
Legal Proceedings Against Pattaphi Wimonnat
Following her arrest, Pattaphi Wimonnat is expected to face prosecution under Nigerian drug laws. The punishment for drug trafficking in Nigeria is severe, with penalties ranging from long-term imprisonment to the death penalty in extreme cases.
Authorities have vowed to ensure that justice is served and that drug traffickers, whether local or foreign, are held accountable for their crimes.
Future Implications for Drug Traffickers
The arrest of Wimonnat and the subsequent seizures in Lagos, Port Harcourt, and other locations serve as a warning to drug traffickers. With NDLEA increasing surveillance and tightening security at entry points, traffickers are finding it harder to operate.
Editor’s Note
The recent arrest of Thai national Pattaphi Wimonnat highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in Nigeria. While drug cartels continue to devise new ways to smuggle illicit substances, NDLEA remains vigilant in intercepting these operations.
As drug-related arrests increase, authorities are sending a clear message: Nigeria will not be a safe haven for drug traffickers. With stricter laws, enhanced security measures, and widespread public awareness, the fight against drug abuse and trafficking is gaining momentum.
The hope is that continued efforts will not only dismantle drug syndicates but also deter individuals from engaging in illegal drug trade.
