LAGOS DECEMBER 10TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have intercepted methamphetamine worth 14 billion naira concealed inside foodstuff in a luggage meant for export to South Africa.
The discovery was made during the outward screening of a Kenyan Airways flight and a 48 year old cook had been arrested in connection with the illegal shipment.
Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It is also known as meth, chalk, ice, and crystal, among many other names. It takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.
Nigeria has so far discovered eleven of such clandestine laboratories where the drug is produced since 2011. Five were found in Lagos State, another five in Anambra State and one in Delta State.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said a suspect, Richard Efetobore Ese was apprehended in connection with the seized methamphetamine and that the suspect would be charged to court soon.
“Officers discovered 45kgs of substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The suspect is assisting our team of investigators and will be charged to court soon” the commander stated.
The suspect, Richard Efetobore Ese, 48 year old who hails from Delta State had worked for a decade in Madrid, Spain said that he was given one million naira to smuggle the drugs to South Africa. In his words, “I was given one million naira to smuggle the drugs to South Africa. I was told the bag contains African food but during search, NDLEA officers discovered methamphetamine in the luggage weighing 45kgs. I worked in Madrid for ten years as a Chef and I am married with four children. The man that gave me the job met me in a drinking club”.