Press Release
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have arrested a Nigerian grocer in Pretoria, South African with 3.920kg of substances found to be methamphetamine. The drug was concealed in false bottom of two bags he wanted to check-in at the departure hall. The arrest took place during outward screening of passengers on Ethiopian airline flight to South Africa.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba gave the name of the suspect as Ayoola Ayodeji Adebayo. “A Nigerian living in South Africa by name Ayoola Ayodeji Adebayo was found in possession of 3.920kg of methamphetamine on his way to South Africa. The drug was found in a false bottom of his luggage while he was trying to check-in the luggage. The case is being investigated” Ahmadu stated.
The suspect who holds a Higher National Diploma in Estate Management at Osun State College of Technology in 2006 said that he made a mistake getting involved in drug trafficking. “I am a grocer in Pretoria. I have lived in South Africa for over three years. I am married with two children. My friend in Pretoria asked me to bring two bags to him. He bought my return ticket and gave me one hundred and fifty thousand naira. I thought the drug would not be detected because it was neatly concealed. This is a big mistake on my part because I have sustained my family with the grocery business. It will not happen again if I can get out of this problem” Ayoola stated.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade said that the Agency has taken additional measures to detect hidden drugs at all exit and entry points in the country. “The Agency has taken additional measures to detect hidden drugs at our exit and entry points in the country. This is in preparation for anticipated increase in drug trafficking at the airports, land borders and seaports towards the end of the year. The arrest of Ayoola whose drug was neatly concealed is an indication that more drugs shall be detected” Giade stated.
The suspect will soon be arraigned in court.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
