TheCable

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested Benjamin Nnamani Daberechi, a 19-year-old student, for attempting to export 7.2 kilograms of methamphetamine concealed in crayfish to Europe.

The NDLEA in a statement signed by Femi Babafemi, its spokesperson, said the student was intercepted on July 12 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja during an outward clearance of passengers on Turkish Airlines flight TK 0624.

“While being interviewed by operatives, Daberechi claimed he was a student on his way to Cyprus for studies, but upon a thorough search of his luggage, he was found in possession of 7.2kg of whitish substance neatly concealed inside a sack of crayfish,” the statement reads.

“A field test of the substance, however, proved positive to methamphetamine.”

The agency also said its operatives at the Tincan port command intercepted a 116.5kg consignment of colorado, a strong strain of cannabis on July 11.

The cannabis was concealed in bags hidden in a heap of used vehicle spare parts in a container marked, FCIU 8459700. The said container was carrying three units of used vehicles, imported from Toronto, Canada.

“Based on intelligence, the Agency had requested for a 100 percent examination of the container which arrived at the TICT terminal of the port on 14th June,” the statement reads.

“A joint examination with the Nigeria Customs, DSS and other stakeholders on Tuesday 11 July however led to the discovery of 233 parcels of the illicit substance stashed inside travelling bags on the floor of the container, covered with used vehicle spare parts.

“Also attempts to export various quantities of illicit substances through courier companies were equally thwarted by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations, DOG in Lagos.”