Ethiopian Airlines
from EMEKA OKONKWO in Abuja, Nigeria
ABUJA, (CAJ News) – NIGERIAN authorities have intercepted a consignment of 5 kilogrammes of pure cocaine from Brazil.
A locally-born man based in Brazil, named as Ibeh Augustine Chukwuma, has been arrested following the interception at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in the capital city, Abuja.
He was traveling in an Ethiopian Airlines flight.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) estimates the cocaine to be worth N100 million (R4 million).
Chukwuma alleged the consignment belonged to a fellow Nigerian in Brazil, who had offered the suspect money to finance his marriage to the tune of N500 000 (R20 200)
The interception follows the similar arrest of one Udeagwu Emmanuel Ugwuchukwu at the same airport with 3,1 kilograms of cocaine, also from Brazil.
The suspect was also aboard Ethiopian Airlines.
He had concealed the illegal substance in a home theatre musical equipment.
“Overtime we have seen a decrease in the volume of interceptions but we are surprised that this quantity is coming again,” said Hamisu Lawan, NDLEA Commander for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, said.
He indicated the agency would meet its Ethiopian counterpart to address the issue of drug smugglers using Ethiopian Airlines.
“Our interaction with some suspicious passengers indicates an urgent need to have closer links with Ethiopian counter-narcotic officials,” Lawan said.
– CAJ News