South African woman arrested with 5.75 kg heroin at Abuja airport amid $10.3 bn cannabis seizure

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested 38‑year‑old South African national Will Jessica Ann at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on 6 July 2026. She was found with 14 blocks of heroin weighing 5.75 kg hidden in two suitcases, which she initially denied checking in. After officials matched the baggage tags to her passport, she admitted ownership, saying she had forgotten the bags. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said she travelled from Cambodia via Doha and is linked to a transnational trafficking network with her husband Jan Coenraad De Jager.

In a separate operation, NDLEA, Customs and other agencies uncovered 8,287 nylon bags of Canadian “Loud” cannabis weighing 4,143.5 kg at the Apapa seaport in Lagos, valued at over N10.3 bn. The agency also intercepted 87 wraps of methamphetamine from an Okada rider arriving from Madagascar, who later excreted an additional 13 wraps, totaling 100 wraps (1.715 kg). A further attempt to export 2.5 kg of skunk cannabis concealed in a gas compressor destined for Cyprus was foiled. NDLEA reiterated its “War Against Drug Abuse” (WADA) campaign across schools and communities.