By Erewunmi Peace

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has made a startling discovery at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, where it recovered travelers’ cheques worth $17.7 million concealed inside children’s storybooks.

The suspicious consignment was uncovered at the NAHCO export shed during a routine cargo examination by NDLEA officers. The shipment was scheduled to travel via a Turkish Airlines flight to Malaysia through Istanbul.

According to NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the concealed cheques were described as “counterfeit monetary instruments” spread across 52 separate cheques.

“The suspicious consignment, packaged as children’s storybooks, contained monetary instruments believed to be counterfeit. One freight agent has been taken into custody for further investigation,” Babafemi confirmed.

The recovered items are being transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further forensic examination and prosecution, as the nature of the crime falls under financial fraud jurisdiction.

The operation is part of NDLEA’s ongoing clampdown on criminal export networks, including drug cartels and illicit financial operations.

This latest interception follows a series of coordinated operations by the agency, which has recently dismantled several drug trafficking rings and intercepted substances such as methamphetamine, opioids, and cannabis across multiple states.

BACKGROUND:
NDLEA has intensified its vigilance at key airports and seaports following increased attempts to smuggle illicit items through unconventional means. The use of children’s books as a disguise marks a disturbing new trend.

WHAT’S NEXT:
The EFCC is expected to commence a detailed investigation into the origin and destination of the travelers’ cheques, as well as potential links to international financial crime syndicates.