Intending Hajj pilgrims have been warned against trafficking illegal and contraband drugs such as cocaine, Tramadol, heroin and cannabis to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during the 2019 Hajj exercise. 

Alhaji Mahlum Musa from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made the disclosure while speaking at a Hajj Seminar organised by one of Nigeria’s leading Hajj and Umrah operators, Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited (HMVL) in Lagos.

Alhaji Mahlum also mentioned kolanuts as one of the illegal drugs forbidden by the Saudi authorities despite its popularity among Nigerians, especially during traditional ceremonies.

The representative of NDLEA therefore warned Nigerian pilgrims to abstain from illegal drugs and other unlawful dealings, adding that “the lives of indicted pilgrims will not only be terminated, but such acts will also strain Saudi/Nigerian ties and of course, damage the good reputation of Hajj Mabrur as one of the trusted Hajj and Umrah operators, as well as Nigerians in general.

The first phase of the Hajj seminar, held on Sunday at the Islamic Centre, University of Lagos Central Mosque, Lagos, also had in attendance personnel from the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), legal practitioners, members and executives of The Muslim Congress (TMC) and spiritual leaders, among many other prominent personalities.

The last phase of the seminar for pilgrims who came to Lagos from different parts of the country except Abuja will be held on Sunday, July 21 at the Islamic Centre Hall, University of Lagos.

Similarly, a one-day medical seminar will be held for intending pilgrims in Abuja on Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Stonehedge Hotel, Central Business District, FCT, Abuja. Medical screening starts 9:00am and the seminar proper commences by 10: 15am.

The Managing Director of Hajj Mabrur Ventures Limited, Alhaji AbdulHameed Solate, who welcomed the guests and pilgrims to the seminar, noted that the training became necessary in order to acquaint the intending pilgrims with what to do and also what to abstain from so as to have a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise.