Three clearing agents at
the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) export seat of the Murtala
Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have been apprehended for
attempting to smuggle two consignments of methamphetamine on an Emirate flight to
Malaysia. The drug weighing 36.44kg was concealed in foodstuffs and laptop bags
declared as personal effects by the consignor. Anti-narcotic Agency dismissed
the claim by the suspects that they thought the drug was a food seasoning.
NDLEA commander at the
Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar disclosed that the seizure was made during search at
the export processing section. “Following the discovery of the drug, we arrested
three clearing agents currently being interrogated. Their names are Bolarinwa
Labaika, 31 years and Abiodun Ofunaya 30 years held in connection with 6.955kg
as well as Ugochukwu Amagbu, 39 years arrested in connection with 29.485kg. The
total weight of methamphetamine found in both packages is 36.44kg. The first
consignment of methamphetamine hidden in garri, dry fish and yams weighed
6.955kg while the second weighing 29.485kg was hidden in laptop bags” Hamza
explained.
The Chairman/Chief
Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade had sent a warning to clearing agents urging
them to know their customers as the law will run its full course if they are
found wanting. “Agents are expected to take necessary precautionary measures
such as knowing their customers and conducting checks on any consignment for
shipment. The Agency will continue to prosecute agents whenever we detect drugs
in any cargo that they are processing. Investigation had commenced and we hope
to apprehend other persons connected with the illegal shipment” Giade promised.
The suspects are cooperating
with narcotic investigators in charge of the cases and will soon be prosecuted
over unlawful exportation of narcotics. All suspects have volunteered their
statements and officers are working to determine their levels of involvement as
well as identify other persons connected to the crime.
According to Bolarinwa
Labaika, he was invited by a fellow agent by name Abiodun Ofunaya to process a
shipment to Malaysia. “I was contacted by Abiodun to handle a shipment and I agreed
to work with him”. However, Abiodun Ofunaya in his statement said that he was
told that the consignment was all foodstuffs. In his words, “the owner told me
it contained garri, dry fish and food ingredients. I thought the drug is a food
seasoning known as agino motor”.
Ugochukwu Amagbu who was handling the
consignment with 29.485kg of methamphetamine said that the consignor told him
that it contained personal effects. Unfortunately,
during search, the drug was detected by the NDLEA officers during search.
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