Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos yesterday recorded the arrest of two suspected drug traffickers and recovered 800 grammes of substances found to be methamphetamine. One of the traffickers concealed 550 grammes in the sole of his shoes while the other hid 250 grammes in his pants. The two arrests were made on Qatar and Emirate flights that were boarding simultaneously at screening area 1 and 2 of the International Airport. Both suspects whose final destination was Malaysia are being interrogated in connection with the alleged crime.
NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar explained that the suspects were apprehended simultaneously at central screening area 1 and 2. “The names of the suspects are Eya Prince Greg, 41 years old that hid 550 grammes of methamphetamine in his shoes was to board a Qatar Airline flight while Ariba Owen Ifeanyi, 27 years old that hid 250 grammes of methamphetamine in his under wear was to board an Emirate flight. They have given us useful information for our investigation” Hamza stated.
The suspects according to Ahmadu Giade, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA would have brought shame to the country if they had succeeded in their bid to export the drugs. He reiterated the Agency’s effort in discouraging people from drug trafficking through enlightenment and collaboration. According to Giade, “we must go back to our roots and uphold our rich cultural values. Drug trafficking is criminal and shameful. It is more worrisome that drug traffickers smuggle narcotics to countries like Malaysia where drug trafficking is punishable by death”.
Giade added that the unbridled love for materialism is the reason people engage in drug trafficking. “Some of the arrested suspects are not poor but driven by greed. Investigation revealed that Mr. Eya Prince Greg sponsored his trip and had 3,000 dollars on his own. Why must he engage in drug trafficking if not greed?” the NDLEA boss stressed.
Eya Prince is an importer of auto parts. He is married with 5 children and lives at Igando area of Lagos. The suspect hails from Enugu-Ezike in Enugu State. He reportedly told investigators that he wanted more money for his importation business. “I am an importer of auto parts. I need more money for importation business that is the reason I decided to smuggle drugs. They told me that the drug was inside a shoe and that I should wear it and the drugs will not be detected. My personal money is 3,000 dollars and the promise to pay me 3,000 dollars if I succeed in taking the drug to Malaysia” Eya stated.
The second suspect, Ariba Owen Ifeanyi claims to be a student studying English and Tourism at World Point Academy, Malaysia. According to him, he agreed to smuggle drugs so as to pay for his tuition and other bills. He hails from Ude-Uche in Imo State.
The suspects will soon be charged to court.
