67-year-old UK-based grandmother arrested with 13kg of cocaine hidden in fake plantain

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 67-year-old Nigerian-British grandmother, Mary Yetunde Barek, after allegedly discovering 13 kilograms of cocaine concealed inside fake plantain peels at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the anti-narcotics agency, Barek, a UK-based caregiver, was intercepted at the departure hall of Terminal 2 while attempting to board a Virgin Atlantic flight to London on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

NDLEA said officers conducted a detailed search of her luggage after identifying her for screening and uncovered 31 large wraps of cocaine carefully packaged to resemble hands of plantain and hidden among other food items.

The agency disclosed that the recovered illicit drug weighed a total of 13 kilograms.

During interrogation, the 67-year-old reportedly admitted ownership of the seized cocaine, according to the NDLEA.

The arrest is the latest in a series of interceptions by the agency aimed at curbing the trafficking of illicit drugs through Nigeria's airports. Authorities say they remain committed to identifying and prosecuting drug traffickers regardless of their age or background.

The suspect is expected to face prosecution upon the conclusion of investigations.