Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have foiled attempt by a 52 year old businessman to export powdery substances that tested positive to ephedrine weighing 25.4kg to Mozambique through the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) area of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos had been nipped in the bud by anti-drug officials. The suspect Philip Anazodo, an auto parts dealer at Trade Fair Complex, Lagos allegedly packed the drug in sandals meant for export to Mozambique when it was detected during search.
Airport commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Hamza Umar said that the drug was carefully packed to avoid suspicion but it took the extra efforts of officers to uncover the mode of drug concealment. “The plan was to send the drug as unaccompanied cargo to Mozambique. Good enough, we apprehended the consignor. The drug was hidden inside the soles of 11 pairs of sandals. The case is under investigation and the suspect will soon be charged to court” Hamza stated.
The suspect is married with 4 children and lives at Ajangbadi, Ojo area of Lagos. Philip hails from Ukpo-Umuorobi in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. He attended Central School Ukpo but could not further his education due to lack of money. In his words, “I am an auto parts dealer. I was recently introduced into the business. What they told me is that it is a profitable chemical in high demand in Mozambique. That was how I ventured into it”.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade described the seizure as spectacular and warned that unless drug barons quit the criminal act, they should expect more arrests and seizures. “This seizure is spectacular because ordinarily you will not suspect that the sandals contained drugs. The Agency will continue to expose anyone hiding under the cover of legitimate business in smuggling narcotics. This is a clear signal that more arrests and seizures are in the offing” Giade stressed.
Investigation had been concluded and the suspect will soon be arraigned.
