5kg of Heroin Hidden in Prayer Rugs Abandoned at Lagos Airport
The abandoned heroin
By Oghenekevwe Laba
A suspected drug trafficking syndicate had abandoned five (5) kilogrammes of high grade heroin at the Murtalla Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The drug was hidden inside praying rugs imported from Pakistan.
Narcotic officers made the discovery during inward screening of cargoes on Qatar Airline flight. The Agency also arrested a twenty-nine (29) year old man, Osigwe Kelvin Uchenna for ingesting nine wraps of methamphetamine weighing 400 grammes at the airport.
The prayer rugs where the heroin were hidden
NDLEA Airport commander, Mr.Hamza Umar said that the examination of the consignment was witnessed by other security agents. “The consignment was given 100 per cent physical examination in the presence of customs and other security agents. During the search, we found thirty-five (35) sachets of brown powdery substance that tested positive for heroin concealed inside praying rugs. A trader was also arrested for ingesting methamphetamine” Hamza stated.
The suspect, Osigwe Kelvin Uchenna who had lived in Gabon for ten years tested positive for drug ingestion. While he was under observation, he excreted 9 wraps of methamphetamine weighing 400 grammes. According to Osigwe, “this is my first time of smuggling drugs. I feel sad because my pastor warned me against crime. He told me that I will be successful in life but I must avoid drug trafficking, fraud and other crimes in order to actualise God’s plan for my life”. The suspect who is a primary school certificate holder is single and hails from Imo State.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade said that Nigeria is winning the drug war against all odds. “Nigeria is winning the anti-narcotic crusade against all odds. Drug cartels only abandon their drugs when the operating environment is inclement. This is a sign of effective security checks which is good for the country. The NDLEA will continue to intercept drugs through advance surveillance techniques” Giade stated.
The NDLEA boss who ordered an investigation into the cases assured that all suspects arrested will be charged to court.
