Photos: NDLEA nabs SA based Nigerian man in possession of drugs worth N31m at Lagos Airport
According to a statement issued on Monday, Sept. 12th by NDLEA
spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the arrest took place during the outward
screening of passengers on a South African Airline flight to South
Africa.
The parcels of drugs tested positive for methamphetamine and
weighed
3.435kgs with an estimated street value of N31 million in Nigeria
Describing
how the drugs were discovered, NDLEA Commander, Ahmadu Garba explained
that during a routine luggage check, NDLEA agents
noticed that Mr. Banjo's two bags contained methamphetamine concealed
under clothing and food items.
However, the suspect, a graduate of the Technical College
of Ijebu-Ode from Osun State, denied knowledge of the drug in his bag,
claiming that a friend gave him the bag in South Africa.
"I work in Pretoria. My friend in South Africa called me saying that
his brother would give me two bags containing foodstuff to take to him.
He also promised to give me two thousand dollars. I opened the bags and
checked thoroughly, but could not find anything criminal. That was how I
accepted to take the bags," Mr. Banjo explained.
"I was surprised when the drug was detected under the bags. I feel very sad that my friend has implicated me."
NDLEA Chief Executive Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah called on
members of the public to be aware of tricks employed by drug trafficking
cartels.
"Drug traffickers recruit mules by enticing them with money. They are
very clever in concealing drugs, as drugs have been detected in bags,
electronics, foodstuff and clothes among others. We strongly advise that
all passengers should endeavor to pack their bags themselves and avoid
taking bags for others,"
The NDLEA boss added that ignorance was no excuse in drug trafficking
and the suspect would be charged for unlawful exportation of narcotics.
"A person shall be deemed to have exported a narcotic drug or
psychotropic substance under this NDLEA Act; if he brings to or deposits
the narcotic drug or psychotropic substance concerned at any time at
any customs area such as airports, customs port or any other customs
point generally," Mr. Abdallah explained.
