ABUJA/Nigeria: The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested, one Mr. Stephen Ikeayionwu, at a popular Pentacostal Church at Mike Ajari Street, Ojodu Berger, in Lagos, where he was arrested.
The Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi, stated this in a statement made available to Newsmen on Sunday, August 22, 2021 in Abuja
Babafemi said the drugs, which weighs 69.65 kilograms were to be exported through the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, to United Kingdom.
He stated that operatives of NDLEA had been trailing the wanted drug dealer, and was arrested as he stepped out of the Church Service.
According to him, his arrest followed the interception of a consignment of illicit drugs weighing 69.65kg going to the UK through the Lagos airport on Aug. 12.
“The illegal baggage had been sent to the airport for export through a freight forwarding company, which in turn gave a driver to deliver at the NAHCO export shed.
“Following the arrest of the driver, follow up operations and investigations later revealed the true identity of the actual owner of the consignment who was arrested three days later in a sting operation,” he said.
Babafemi said NDLEA operatives also arrested an Italy-bound passenger, Abibu Miminu, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airways flight to Italy via Addis-Ababa for ingesting illicit drugs at Lagos airport.
“While under observation at the agency’s facility between Saturday, Aug. 14 and Sunday Aug. 15, the trafficker excreted 68 wraps of heroin in three excretions, all weighing 800grams,” he said.
In the same vein, narcotic officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation have intercepted illicit drugs at two courier companies in Lagos
Babafemi said 840 grams of Methamphetamine going to Australia and concealed in bolts and 340 grams of Meth hidden in locally made footwears, also going to Australia were intercepted.
He added that one kilogram of cocaine coming from Ghana with UK as destination and concealed in four local guitars was also intercepted.
“Also seized from one of the courier firms is another 480grams of Meth concealed in foot wears and going to Australia,” he said.
Meanwhile, a South Africa returnee, Obi Samuel, was also arrested at the Lagos airport during the inward clearance of Ethiopian Airlines from Addis-Abbaba, for importing 58grams of skunk into Nigeria.
Babafemi said the suspect admitted ownership and claimed to be a cannabis smoker during his preliminary interview.
