The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims' Welfare Board, yesterday warned intending pilgrims for the 2014 Hajj exercise to comply with the stipulated directive on excess luggage.

Vice chairman of the board, Alhaji Abdulwahab Oniwa, issued the warning during the enlightenment programme organised for intending pilgrims in the state.

Oniwa also cautioned the intending pilgrims against carrying drugs to the Holy Land, saying anyone detected would not be treated lightly by the Saudia Arabian authorities.

He recalled that a pilgrim from the state was arrested two years ago, and up till now he is still in jail for carrying unauthorised drugs to the Holy Land.

The pilgrims' official admonished those performing the Hajj this year to be cautious, adding, "It is only the medical expert that would prescribe to you (intending pilgrims) which drugs to go with, and such drugs must be duly approved."

He added that pilgrims who carry excess luggage would not be airlifted, explaining that pilgrims are required to carry 32 kilograms for main luggage and eight kilograms for hand luggage.

Oniwa noted that virtually all arrangements have been concluded towards the success of the exercise.

At the programme, a member of the board, Alhaji Isa Nuhu Abbass, enlightened the intending pilgrims on the various activities of the pilgrimage exercise, including a practical demonstration of some important aspects of the exercise.

He urged the intending pilgrims to comply with the dos and don'ts of the exercise and listen to instructions passed to them by the Hajj official.