A 45-year-old Nigerian based in Pretoria,
South Africa, Abiodun Israel Banjo has been
arrested by officials of National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency, NDLEA for possessing
parcels of drugs at the Murtala Mohammed
International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.
According to a statement issued on Monday,
Sept. 12th by NDLEA spokesman,
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the arrest took place during
the outward screening of passengers on a
South African Airline flight to South Africa.
The parcels of drugs tested positive for
methamphetamine and weighed 3.435kgs
with an estimated street value of N31 million
in Nigeria
Describing how the drugs were discovered,
NDLEA Commander, Ahmadu Garba explained
that during a routine luggage check, NDLEA
agents noticed that Mr. Banjo's two bags
contained methamphetamine concealed
under clothing and food items.
However, the suspect, a graduate of the
Technical College of Ijebu-Ode from Osun
State, denied knowledge of the drug in his
bag, claiming that a friend gave him the bag
in South Africa.
"I work in Pretoria.
My friend in South Africa
called me saying that his brother would give
me two bags containing foodstuff to take to
him. He also promised to give me two
thousand dollars. .
I opened the bags and
checked thoroughly, but could not find
anything criminal. That was how I accepted
to take the bags," Mr. Banjo explained.
"I was surprised when the drug was detected
under the bags.
I feel very sad that my friend
has implicated me."
NDLEA Chief Executive Muhammad
Mustapha Abdallah called on members of the
public to be aware of tricks employed by
drug trafficking cartels.
"Drug traffickers recruit mules by enticing
them with money.
They are very clever in
concealing drugs, as drugs have been
detected in bags, electronics, foodstuff and
clothes among others. We strongly advise
that all passengers should endeavor to pack
their bags themselves and avoid taking bags
for others,"
The NDLEA boss added that ignorance was
no excuse in drug trafficking and the suspect
would be charged for unlawful exportation of
narcotics.
"A person shall be deemed to have exported
a narcotic drug or psychotropic substance
under this NDLEA Act; if he brings to or
deposits the narcotic drug or psychotropic
substance concerned at any time at any
customs area such as airports, customs port
or any other customs point generally," Mr.
Abdallah explained.
Source: Sahara Reporters
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