Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), have smashed a drug trafficking syndicate, with the arrest of 14 suspects.
The suspects were alleged to have dissolved some of the drugs, worth N3 million, in water and absorbed in two towels and a T-shirt, while others were industrially packed in tin foods and body cream packs.
Eight of the suspects, according to Lagos Airport NDLEA Commander, Mr Hamza Umar, were apprehended at the point of smuggling the substance, which tested positive to cocaine, into the country from Brazil and Argentina, while six others were intercepted while attempting to smuggle the drugs to Hong Kong, Dubai, Italy and Brazil.
He said four of the suspects were apprehended aboard flight Royal Air Maroc, on their way from Brazil.
“Okafor, 25, was caught with 13.735kg cocaine in tin food; Okeke, 29, was arrested with 3.425kg cocaine absorbed in towels; Akpobome, 32, was found with 1.730kg of cocaine absorbed in T-shirt; Ani, 37, was found with 300 grammes of cocaine; Madububa, 38, ingested 845 grammes of cocaine; Amuka, 26, ingested 1.505kg cocaine, while Ijoganu, 25, ingested 1.240kg of cocaine.
During investigation, some of the suspects reportedly told operatives that they went into the business to raise money to celebrate Christmas and New Year.
Describing the arrest and seizures as a good way to end the year, Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade assured that the agency will continue to detect hidden drugs and prosecute offenders, adding that the suspects would be charged to court soon.
