PRESS RELEASE
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have apprehended an electronics merchant for attempting to smuggle 8kg of Diazepam injections on-board an Arik flight to Liberia. The drug was detected at the luggage screening desk at the departure hall of the airport and the suspect is being investigated. The 39-year-old suspect disguised the diazepam as packs of Alabukum powder which is not a controlled drug.
NDLEA Airport commander, Mr. Hamza Umar said that the suspect will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction soon. “Officers discovered 8kg of Diazepam injections in a luggage brought by one Udoji Chike. The luggage was meant for export to Liberia. He has accepted ownership of the drug and he will be charged to court soon after investigation” Hamza stated.
According to the suspect, he agreed to send to the bag so as to give the wife some money for her upkeep. “I am a graduate of Business Administration from the University of Monrovia. I sell electrical electronics in Liberia where I live with my family since 1997. I came to spend the Christmas period last December with my family in Ihiala, Anambra State. Unfortunately, my father died on January 8, 2014. Since then I could not go back to Liberia and I am worried how my wife and child are coping financially. I agreed to send the drug so that the money they will pay me can be given to my wife in Liberia” Udoji told investigators.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade urged members of the public to always shun drug trafficking in the interest of the society. “Drug trafficking is bad. The consequences are condemnable. It affects individuals and the society at large. Members of the public should shun drug trafficking. The money offered by drug barons cannot wipe away the shame of being an ex-convict. Let us therefore support the anti-drug campaign” Giade urged.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
