Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a 29-year-old fashion designer over unlawful importation and possession of 44 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine, weighing 850 grammes.
The arrest and seizure took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos during the inward screening of passengers on a Qatar Airline flight.
A statement by the Head of Public Affairs of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said the NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, gave the name of the suspect as Ajaero Okechukwu Kingsley.
“We have apprehended a 29-year-old fashion designer on his way from Sao Paulo with cocaine. The suspect who hails from Abia State, excreted 44 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine weighing 85 grammes,” Hamza was quoted as saying.
The suspect in his statement, blamed his arrest on operational mistake on the part of his business partner.
“I am a fashion designer by profession. I went to Brazil two years ago in search of better working condition. This is my first time of trafficking in drugs and I got involved through friends. In line with my plan, I was expecting 30,000 euros as my profit. My business partner was to collect the drug from me while on transit in Qatar but he failed to show-up. I was compelled to come to Nigeria with the drugs but I excreted 30 on board the aircraft” Ajaero stated.
The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, said the agency would continue to pay priority attention to passengers coming from Brazil.
In his words, “Brazil is a source country for cocaine and we shall continue to beam our searchlight on this route. Those who seek to enrich themselves through drug trafficking shall be arrested and prosecuted.”
Giade called on members of the public to assist the agency in reporting suspected cases of drug trafficking, production and abuse for necessary action.
The NDLEA boss added that it is risky to shield drug traffickers because their activities undermine public safety.
