NDLEA arrests 3 clearing agents with methamphetamine

Three clearing agents at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) export seat of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have been apprehended for attempting to smuggle two consignments of methamphetamine on an Emirate flight to Malaysia. The drug weighing 36.44kg was concealed in foodstuffs and laptop bags declared as personal effects by the consignor. Anti-narcotic Agency dismissed the claim by the suspects that they thought the drug was a food seasoning.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar disclosed that the seizure was made during search at the export processing section. “Following the discovery of the drug, we arrested three clearing agents currently being interrogated. Their names are Bolarinwa Labaika, 31 years and Abiodun Ofunaya 30 years held in connection with 6.955kg as well as Ugochukwu Amagbu, 39 years arrested in connection with 29.485kg. The total weight of methamphetamine found in both packages is 36.44kg. The first consignment of methamphetamine hidden in garri, dry fish and yams weighed 6.955kg while the second weighing 29.485kg was hidden in laptop bags” Hamza explained.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade had sent a warning to clearing agents urging them to know their customers as the law will run its full course if they are found wanting. “Agents are expected to take necessary precautionary measures such as knowing their customers and conducting checks on any consignment for shipment. The Agency will continue to prosecute agents whenever we detect drugs in any cargo that they are processing. Investigation had commenced and we hope to apprehend other persons connected with the illegal shipment” Giade promised.

The suspects are cooperating with narcotic investigators in charge of the cases and will soon be prosecuted over unlawful exportation of narcotics. All suspects have volunteered their statements and officers are working to determine their levels of involvement as well as identify other persons connected to the crime.

According to Bolarinwa Labaika, he was invited by a fellow agent by name Abiodun Ofunaya to process a shipment to Malaysia. “I was contacted by Abiodun to handle a shipment and I agreed to work with him”. However, Abiodun Ofunaya in his statement said that he was told that the consignment was all foodstuffs. In his words, “the owner told me it contained garri, dry fish and food ingredients. I thought the drug is a food seasoning known as agino motor”.

Ugochukwu Amagbu who was handling the consignment with 29.485kg of methamphetamine said that the consignor told him that it contained personal effects.

Unfortunately, during search, the drug was detected by the NDLEA officers during search.