PRESS RELEASE
Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a 26 year old man in connection with 8.5kg of methamphetamine concealed inside metal pipes. The suspect Afunaya Thaddeus Izunna who sells phone accessories at Ikeja, Lagos was found to be in possession of the narcotic drug during the screening of passengers on Ethiopian airline flight to New Delhi, India at the weekend. The drug worth 27 million naira was discovered when anti-narcotic officers insisted in searching the metal pipes inside his luggage.
The NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar said that the drug with a total weight of 8.5kg is one of the highest seizures recently recorded at the Lagos airport. “This is one of the largest seizures recorded at the Lagos airport in recent time. It was a clever mode of concealment but I am glad we were able to detect it and the suspect apprehended. The case is under investigation” Hamza stated.
According to the suspect who is married with 2 children, his role in the criminal act was to deliver the drug. “I am a trader. I sell phone accessories at Ikeja to take care of my wife and two children. It was a friend that gave me the metal pipes that I should take them to India for a fee. I did not know when, how and where it was packed. I was only given the bag containing the pipes. Unfortunately, when I got to the airport during screening, NDLEA officers discovered the drug and I was arrested. This is my first time of smuggling drugs. I hope my wife will understand and forgive men” Afunaya pleaded. He hails from Anambra State.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade expressed delight over the arrest and seizure describing it as a good signal. “This is a spectacular seizure because the drug was carefully concealed in a way that makes detection difficult. The significance is that a warning signal has been sent to the enemy camp that one of their best tricks is not good enough. This has been my position and order to the officers that drugs should be intercepted regardless of the mode of concealment” Giade stated.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
