The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has prevented the illegal shipment of liquid methamphetamine to South Africa.
The methamphetamine, weighing seven kilogrammes, was disguised as a vegetable oil.
Anti-narcotic officials made the discovery at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos during a routine check.
A clearing and forwarding agent, who brought the consignment for shipment through a South African Airline flight, has been arrested by the agency.
NDLEA Airport Commander Mr. Hamza Umar said the discovery was the first seizure of liquid methamphetamine.
“This is the first seizure of liquid methamphetamine. There were six containers in all, but only two were found to be vegetable oil and the remaining four contained liquid methamphetamine. With the assistance of our forensic personnel, we were able to extract the crystallised methamphetamine, which weighed 7kg,” he said.
The suspect, a 31-year-old clearing and forwarding agent, Ugochukwu Okoroji, accepted ownership of the drug in his confessional statement.
“I have been working as a clearing and forwarding agent since 2008. Since 2003 when I came to Lagos, I have been struggling to make ends meet. I told the NDLEA officers before the examination that the consignment belonged to me. I felt bad when the drug was found and I was apprehended,” Ugochukwu said.
He lives in Lagos with his wife and a four-month-old baby.
Ugochukwu hails from Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, hailed the officers for the discovery.
“This discovery is commendable. Drug barons may devise fresh plots, but our superior counter-strategies will always void such moves. We shall continue to prevent illegal drug trade through effective drug law enforcement as well as anti-drug abuse advocacy campaigns,” he said.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
source: nigerianeye
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