Drug trafficking: NDLEA quizzes Chief Security Supervisor NAHCO, three others

The National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, has started quizzing the Chief Security Supervisor of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and three others over their connection in drug trafficking.

Those being interrogated in respect of the seized drug include the Chief Security Supervisor, Mr. Audu Garba, two Security Officers, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi as well as a Driver, Adamu Dasura

Another worker of NAHCO, Victor Ahenje, a Load Controller, linked with the conspiracy, but currently on the run, had been declared wanted by the anti-narcotic Agency.

According to the NDLEA, the plot was to smuggle the illegal shipment out of the country in an Ethiopian airline flight; but it was timely intercepted.

The NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the four men are being questioned over their involvement with the unlawful exportation of 144kg of ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique.

Ofoyeju said: “The drug was concealed inside noodles and packed in three brown cartons together with relaxers and cereals.”

NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan, said some officials, who were working at the cargo section, were invited for questioning and four NAHCO staff was subsequently detained.

Lawan said: “Preliminary investigation suggests flagrant lapses on the part of NACHO security in charge of cargo. So far, they are cooperating with our team of investigators."

The Chairman of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) has called for proper vetting and re-vetting of airport staff to prevent acts of sabotage and compromise capable of undermining national security.

According to Abdallah, "this is a suspected case of conspiracy involving workers within the airport community. The Agency is investigating the level of involvement of the suspects under interrogation and anyone indicted shall be prosecuted. Any act of sabotage can cause untold damage to national security. We shall get to the root of this case. The Agency is working very hard to promote peace and enhance the image of the country.”
He assured that efforts are ongoing to arrest Victor Ahenje who is at large. The Agency has called on members of the public to provide useful information that will lead to his arrest.