NDLEA Arrests South African Woman With 5.75kg Heroin at Abuja Airport

NDLEA Arrests South African Woman at Abuja Airport With 5.75kg of Heroin Allegedly Concealed in Luggage

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 38-year-old South African woman, Jessica Ann Will, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, after allegedly discovering 5.75 kilograms of heroin concealed inside her luggage. According to the NDLEA, the suspect was intercepted during the inward clearance of passengers arriving on Qatar Airways flight QR1433 from Doha.

The agency further alleged that the suspect travelled with her three-year-old son, whom investigators believe was used as part of an attempt to reduce suspicion and evade thorough security screening.

In a statement issued by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the agency explained that the suspect initially denied travelling with any checked luggage. However, NDLEA officers reportedly carried out further checks and discovered that baggage claim tags attached to two unattended suitcases matched the claim tags attached to the suspect’s passport. When confronted with the evidence, the suspect allegedly admitted that the luggage belonged to her, claiming she had forgotten she checked in the bags. A subsequent search of the luggage led to the discovery of 14 large blocks of heroin weighing approximately 5.75 kilograms, carefully concealed inside the suitcases.

According to NDLEA investigations, Jessica Ann Will reportedly travelled from Cambodia, transiting through Doha, Qatar, before arriving in Abuja. The agency alleged that intelligence gathered during the investigation links her to an international drug trafficking network operating between Cambodia and South Africa.

Investigators also identified her alleged husband or partner as Jan Coenraad De Jager, whom they believe is associated with the same suspected drug trafficking operation. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to uncover other members of the alleged syndicate.

The latest arrest highlights the NDLEA’s continued efforts to combat international drug trafficking through Nigeria’s airports and border entry points. In recent years, the agency has intensified passenger profiling, intelligence gathering, and collaboration with international partners to identify suspected drug couriers and dismantle transnational criminal networks. Officials say traffickers continue to adopt new methods to avoid detection, including concealing narcotics inside luggage, food items, clothing, and personal belongings.

One of the most disturbing aspects of the case is the allegation that the suspect travelled with her young child during the operation. Although the child was not accused of any wrongdoing, authorities expressed concern over the use of minors in criminal activities to divert attention from illegal operations.

Security experts have repeatedly warned that organised criminal groups increasingly exploit vulnerable individuals and family travel arrangements to reduce suspicion during international travel.

If found guilty under Nigeria’s drug control laws, the suspect could face severe penalties, including lengthy imprisonment.

The NDLEA has not yet announced when the suspect will be formally charged in court. Investigations are expected to continue as authorities pursue additional leads connected to the alleged international drug trafficking network.

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The arrest of Jessica Ann Will represents another significant operation by the NDLEA in its ongoing campaign against transnational drug trafficking. With 5.75 kilograms of heroin allegedly recovered and investigations extending beyond Nigeria’s borders, the case underscores the growing complexity of international drug smuggling operations and the importance of sustained intelligence-driven enforcement efforts.

Authorities have assured the public that investigations will continue until all individuals connected to the alleged trafficking network are identified and brought to justice.