NDLEA warns Nigerians against receiving packages from overseas, seizes drugs in snacks

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a strong warning to Nigerians, advising them to avoid accepting cargo consignments on behalf of individuals living abroad.

The caution was made public on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, through his verified X (formerly Twitter) account.

According to the agency, anyone designated as a receiver of such packages could face full criminal responsibility if illegal items are discovered inside—even if they claim to be unaware of the contents.

Babafemi also revealed a recent interception by NDLEA operatives, where illicit substances were discovered cleverly concealed within imported snacks.

Babafemi said criminal syndicates operating from overseas routinely exploit family members and close associates as unwitting or complicit consignees to receive drug-laden shipments from courier companies on their behalf.

“When you’re arrested with the consignment here as the designated receiver of the goods, you bear the criminal liability of possession and conspiracy with jail as the end,” he wrote.

He urged Nigerians to insist on a recorded video call at the point of packaging before agreeing to collect any international shipment, adding that where this was not possible, the parcel should be refused outright regardless of financial or other inducements offered.

“If you’re not part of the criminal conspiracy, don’t accept to receive parcels that you don’t know their full contents,” Babafemi stated.