Customs agents, dealer arrested with N352m drug

Three customs licensed agents and a spare parts dealer have been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos State, for trafficking methamphetamine valued at N352m.

The drug, said to be bound for Malaysia on an Ethiopian Airways flight, was allegedly contained in three shipments.

NDLEA Lagos Airport commander Mr. Hamza, said, “The suspects are Segun Adewuyi, Godwin Atebata and Ajayi Akpaida.

“In addition, a 36-year-old motorcycle parts dealer, Ukpabi Paul, was arrested.”

Adewuyi was said to have brought a meth consignment of 32.7 kilogrammes, Ukpabi and Akpaida, a consignment of 20kg and Ajayi a consignment of 17.7kg; all amounting to 70.4kg.”

Ukpabi, said to be based in Nnewi, Anambra State, was said to have delivered the meth consignment to Akpaida for onward transportation to Malaysia.

Ukpabi said, “I am married with three children. My role was to give the drug to a clearing agent by name Akpaida. Please, have mercy.”

Akpaida said, “They paid me N500,000 to send the shipment. I agreed to participate in the illegal deal because of the money I was offered.”

NDLEA Chairman, Mr. Ahmadu Giade said, “It is sad that the customs licensed agents have acted contrary to the NDLEA Act in pursuit of selfish interest. The agency will continue to make drug trafficking unattractive. Our objective is to prevent drug syndicates from enjoying the financial incentives of the criminal trade. The suspects will be charged to court soon.”