NDLEA makes largest seizure of ephedrine worth N4bn

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted what it described as the single largest seizure of ephedrine in Lagos, valued at N4 billion.

The Chairman of NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd) said that the Agency's counter-narcotic measures at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), made the interception, revealing that the illicit drug weighs 83.390kgs.

The ephedrine was concealed in female hair attachment and allegedly being smuggled by a suspect, heading to South Africa.

Three suspects, including luggage handlers and a clearing agent, are currently being interrogated in connection with the crime.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba gave the names of the suspects as Unegbu Daniel Chukwu, 42, Ettah Joseph, 28, and Wopara Bright, 31.

Garba said: “Officials of the NDLEA at the departure hall detected a bag. When it was searched, it was found to contain substances that tested positive for ephedrine with a total weight of 83.390kgs. So far, three suspects apprehended are being interrogated to determine their level of culpability. Meanwhile the parcels of ephedrine were concealed amidst artificial hair."

The NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said: “This is the largest quantity of ephedrine seized at the Lagos airport with an estimated street value of N4billion. In addition, two bags, one containing heroin from Nairobi and containing cannabis going to London were equally abandoned at the airport.”

The image maker explained: “Ephedrine is a precursor ingredient used in the production of methamphetamine. The estimated street value of the ephedrine is about N4 billion.”

According to Abdallah, a bag containing ephedrine was intercepted by NDLEA operatives at the departure hall, during outward screening of a South African Airline flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Besides, a bag containing 2.500kg of heroin was abandoned at the arrival hall during the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight from Nairobi, Kenya.

Similarly, a luggage containing 4.6kg of cannabis meant for export to London on a British Airways flight from Lagos was abandoned at the airport.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Daniel, who works as a clearing agent collected the luggage from his client and took it to the airport.

Two luggage handlers, who allegedly worked with Daniel, are Ettah Joseph and Wopara Bright.

The cases are under investigation to uncover the drug cartel that is behind the illegal shipment of the narcotic drugs.

Abdallah said: "NDLEA will continue to resist attempt by criminal syndicates to compromise security measures through strict law enforcement practice. Anti-narcotic agents have been placed on the alert and will remain vigilant in detecting any act of sabotage. The case is under investigation and anyone found wanting shall be prosecuted in line with the NDLEA Act."