A drug interception unfolded at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, arrested a 63-year-old Chinese woman over alleged drug trafficking.
The suspect, identified as Ting Hung Kiong, was reportedly intercepted shortly after arriving in Nigeria from Thailand through Dubai aboard an Emirates Airline flight.
According to NDLEA sources, the elderly woman was allegedly caught with 31 kilograms of synthetic cannabis popularly known as “Canadian Loud,” concealed inside two large travel boxes.
Furthermore, investigators revealed that the suspect is a Chinese national believed to have become naturalised in Malaysia.
The arrest reportedly took place on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the Terminal 2 Arrival Hall of the Lagos international airport.
Officials said the suspect travelled from Malaysia to Thailand before heading to Nigeria through the United Arab Emirates.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect spent about two weeks in Thailand before beginning her trip to Nigeria.
Meanwhile, NDLEA operatives reportedly acted on intelligence before intercepting the suspect during passenger screening procedures.
Authorities stated that the two large boxes carried by the woman were carefully searched before the suspected drugs were discovered.
Investigators believe the illegal consignment was intended for distribution within Nigeria.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly explained how the trip was arranged.
According to NDLEA sources, Ting Hung Kiong claimed she works as a caregiver in Malaysia.
She also disclosed that her daughter allegedly sponsored her journey from Malaysia to Thailand and later to Nigeria.
Furthermore, the suspect reportedly told investigators that she received the consignment while preparing to leave Thailand.
“She further disclosed that she spent two weeks in Thailand before she was allegedly handed the illicit drug consignment at the airport for delivery in Nigeria,” investigators revealed.
Moreover, law enforcement agencies across Africa have intensified surveillance around airports due to rising cases involving synthetic drugs.
The NDLEA has also continued to strengthen monitoring systems and passenger profiling operations at major entry points into the country.
Meanwhile, anti-drug authorities stressed that investigations into the case remain ongoing.
Officials are also expected to examine possible international connections linked to the alleged trafficking network.
In recent years, synthetic cannabis products have become increasingly common across several countries because of their strong effects and illegal market demand.
