TheCable

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says its operatives intercepted 442 parcels of crystal methamphetamine (meth) concealed in smoked fish at the airport in Lagos state.

In a statement on Sunday, Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, said the  fishes were packed in cartons for export to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

He said one Adekunle Oluwapelumi Paul, a 32-year-old from Kogi state, who brought the fishes for export was arrested over the development.

“11.90kg consignment was brought to the SAHCO export shed of the airport on Friday 5th August, by a freight agent, Adekunle Oluwapelumi Paul, 32, from Yagba West LGA, Kogi State, who was promptly arrested upon the discovery that the seven cartons he presented for export contained parcels of the dangerous drug wrapped with foil paper and concealed in the heads of hundreds of smoked catfish,” the statement reads.

“The following day, Saturday, 6th August, another consignment containing 1.45kg cannabis concealed inside granulated melon and crayfish and packed among other food condiments going to Dubai, UAE, was also intercepted by NDLEA operatives who arrested the freight agent, Ajisefini Lateef, that presented the cargo for export at the SAHCO shed.

“The 39-year-old agent is from Abeokuta West LGA, Ogun State.”

The agency also said its officers arrested one Mgbeobuna Eberechukwu for ingesting 77 pellets of cocaine.

“He was arrested on Saturday, 6th August, following his arrival from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on board an Ethiopian Airlines flight,” Babafemi said.

“The suspect who hails from Idemili South LGA, Anambra state, passed out the 77 wraps of the illicit drug in eight excretions spanning four days.”

Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, commended the officers for their efforts and charged operatives across the country to always remain steps ahead of drug cartels.