PRESS RELEASE
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have detected 11.5kg of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis inside cosmetics. Anti-narcotics agents made the discovery at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) warehouse during screening of goods on a KLM flight to Suriname.
NDLEA Commander at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, Mr. Hamza Umar said that the drug which was hidden in cosmetics was destined for Paramaribo, capital of South America country, Suriname. In his words, “the suspect, Oguike Franklin, 33, brought a consignment of cosmetics for shipment to Suriname. In the process of search operation, officers found out that some of the soap containers had been replaced with dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. The drug weighed 11.5kg”.
The 33 year-old Aba based electronics trader said that he was introduced into drug smuggling by a friend when his business was no longer flourishing. “I am a trader living at Aba, Abia State. It was my friend that introduced me into smuggling cannabis to South America. He told me that I could earn 5,000 dollars. My business has been going down and I am indebted. This is my first time” the suspect stated. He is married with a child.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade commended the officers for detecting the drugs. “This arrest and seizure is commendable. I urge members of the public to avoid drug trafficking and report suspected drug traffickers to the Agency. We shall take necessary measures in preventing the country from being used for drug trafficking” Giade stated.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
