The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two persons carrying cocaine at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja Lagos. The man, Ariyibi Ahmed Olaseinde, and the woman, Akanbi Silifat Tunrayo, were caught attempting to export 14.4 kilograms of cocaine. Evidently, they had it concealed in lace and Ankara fabrics.
The suspects, the NDLEA were said to be going for lesser hajj in Saudi Arabia before their interception on April 19 and 20, at the screening point, Terminal 2, MMIA, during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos to Medina through Doha.
The Spokesman for the agency, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. He further added that four sets of white lace fabrics with linings of substances tested positive for cocaine. They weighed 11.50kg and were discovered in Aribiyi`s carry-on luggage on April 20.
He said the man who claimed he was a widower and an advertising practitioner. He had planned to ingest the drugs but changed his mind after failed attempts to swallow bitter cola.
Babafemi said Ariyibi was to be paid N1.8 million upon successful delivery of the consignment in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
He said at the same Terminal 2 on April 19, a female lesser hajj passenger with 2.90 kg of cocaine hidden in Ankara fabrics was intercepted by police.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader who used to hawk cloths around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos.
“Based on information in her statement, a follow-up operation that lasted through the night into the early hours of Thursday, April 20, was carried out and the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Adeola Wasiu, was arrested at 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos. Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency.
