Exporter, clearing agents arrested with N220m worth of narcotics

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested an exporter and three clearing agents in connection with the unlawful exportation of illicit drugs out of the country.
This was contained in a statement issued by Mitchell Ofoyeju, the Head of Public Affairs of the NDLEA, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Lagos.
The statement said the suspects were apprehended by officers of the agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
It said that the alleged exporter and clearing agents (names withheld) were nabbed due to the diligence of the anti-narcotics officials.
The statement said: “The seized drugs weighing 54.76kg included 24.7kg of methamphetamine disguised as artificial hair, 2.810kg of cocaine concealed in foodstuff and 27.250kg of diazepam.
“The seized drugs have a street value of N220 million.”
It quoted the Chairman of NDLEA, Muhammad Abdallah, as saying that the agency had recorded impressive successes in prosecuting drug traffickers.
The statement quoted Abdullah as saying: “Anyone whose action contravenes the NDLEA Act shall not escape justice. Many traffickers have been successfully convicted at the law courts by the agency.
“Clearing agents are liable under the law when narcotic drugs are traced to their shipments. They, therefore, have a responsibility to know their customers and be able to produce them on request.
“It is pertinent for them to take necessary measures in preventing their consignments from being used in smuggling narcotic drugs.
“Investigations into the cases have commenced and more arrests are in the offing.”
It further quoted the NDLEA Airport commander, Ahmed Garba, as saying that the command was working to improve productivity.
Garba said: “Preliminary investigation has shown that two of the clearing agents conspired to export 24.7kg of methamphetamine.
“Another agent had 50 packs each of diazepam tablets and injections, while an exporter was found in possession of 2.810kg of cocaine.
“We are leaving no stone unturned in improving the operational activities of the command.”
The statement added that the suspects would soon be charged to court.
NAN.