By Billy Young l May 24, 2026
Operatives of Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested an elderly Chinese woman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos over alleged involvement in drug trafficking operations linked to illicit substances worth millions of naira.
According to reports, the suspect, identified as Ting Hung Kiong, was intercepted by NDLEA officers shortly after arriving in Nigeria through the Lagos airport. Authorities alleged that the woman was found in possession of a large quantity of synthetic cannabis, commonly referred to as “Loud,” concealed in her luggage during routine screening procedures.
The NDLEA said preliminary investigations indicated that the seized drugs weighed approximately 31 kilograms and carried an estimated street value running into millions of naira. Officials further disclosed that the suspect, reportedly aged 63, is believed to have connections outside Nigeria and may have travelled through multiple countries before arriving in Lagos.
Authorities also revealed that the suspect had allegedly been declared wanted in Beijing, China, over accusations related to financial crimes involving illegal public deposit schemes. Reports suggested she later acquired Malaysian citizenship before travelling internationally.
The arrest forms part of a broader crackdown by the NDLEA targeting international drug trafficking networks operating through Nigerian airports and border routes. In recent months, the agency has intensified surveillance and interdiction operations aimed at curbing the smuggling of narcotics into and out of the country.
NDLEA officials stated that investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect is linked to a larger transnational drug distribution network. Authorities added that additional arrests could follow as intelligence gathering continues.
The incident has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians expressing concern over the increasing sophistication of international drug trafficking syndicates using African transit routes for illicit operations.
The report was first published by Sahara Reporters.