The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd), has ordered investigation into the arrest of three Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia in connection with substances suspected to be cocaine.
Abdallah expressed disappointment at the incident, saying a panel, headed by Director of Operations and General Investigation Mr. Olugbenga Mabo would probe the incident.
The NDLEA boss said: “Narcotic smuggling is criminal and the involvement of pilgrims is utterly reprehensible. This is unfortunate and we are working hard to get to the root of it. The agency is handling this case with every sense of seriousness and urgency because this action has negatively affected the image of Nigeria. We have also taken measures to intensify the screening of pilgrims yet to depart to Saudi Arabia to prevent a re-currence of the sad incident.”
He urged pilgrims to uphold the principle of probity, patriotism and eschew any act capable of bringing the image of the country to disrepute.