Saudi-bound pilgrim excretes 82 wraps of cocaine

One week after she excreted 76 pellets of drugs that tested positive to cocaine, Basiru Binuyo, a pilgrim, has excreted six more wraps of the pellets, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said.

In a statement Saturday, the agency said the woman would be “severely sanctioned” in line with the anti-narcotics laws of the land.

Hamisu Lawan, NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, confirmed the total number of wraps of cocaine ingested by the suspect while under observation.

“Mrs Binuyo Basari Iyabo while under observation expelled eighty-two wraps of cocaine weighing nine hundred and thirty-one (931) grammes,” Mr. Lawan said.

“All arrangements have been concluded for her prosecution.”

Ms. Binuyo, 55, was arrested during the outward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight to Medina, through Dubai.

The suspect, who hails from Kwara State, said she needed money to expand her business, according to the NDLEA.

“My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage,” said Ms. Binuyo, a trader married with three children.

“This was how I got involved in the act. I was excited until the issue of drugs was introduced. I wanted to decline but it was late.

“Besides, I was offered a million naira which I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina but I was caught in the process.”

Muhammad Abdallah, the NDLEA Chairman, said the agency would invoke the powers of the law against the suspect and others caught indulging in production and trafficking in narcotic drugs.

“It is a shameful and discreditable act for a 55 year old mother who is going on a holy pilgrimage to ingest narcotics,” said Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel.

“This is very shocking and a clear indication of her inability to effectively discharge parental responsibility. The Agency shall invoke the powers of the law against her and others caught indulging in production/trafficking in narcotic drugs.”