In a recent incident at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) in Abuja, Nigeria, a 40-year-old businessman from Madrid, Spain, named Sherif Egbo, was apprehended by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) while attempting to board an Air France flight to Paris. According to reports, Egbo had ingested 93 wraps of heroin weighing 2.222 kilogrammes.
The arrest, which took place on October 14, was made possible due to the body scanner at the airport, which revealed the presence of illicit drugs in Egbo’s stomach. Following the discovery, he was placed under observation and eventually excreted the 93 pellets of heroin in the NDLEA’s exhibit recovery room.
In his statement, Egbo confessed to working at a chicken hatchery farm in Madrid while being involved in drug trafficking as well. This incident sheds light on the international nature of drug trade and the need for enhanced airport security measures.
In another related operation, NDLEA operatives seized a consignment of tramadol pills, falsely labeled as tapentadol, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The cargo, which was shipped from India through Qatar Airways, was intended to be a transit cargo to Monrovia, Liberia. However, through effective partnership and intelligence sharing between the NDLEA and its Liberian counterparts, the illegal shipment was intercepted.
Furthermore, the NDLEA thwarted an attempt by an intending passenger to export skunk and tramadol, concealed in foodstuffs, to Muscat, Oman on Qatar Airways. The illicit substances were seized, and the individual was apprehended.
In separate incidents, NDLEA officers intercepted methamphetamine concealed in containers of body cream, as well as cocaine and phenacetin hidden in the walls of a carton. These drugs were destined for New Zealand and Saudi Arabia, respectively, highlighting the global reach of drug trafficking networks.
Additionally, in Imo State, Nigeria, a Mercedes Benz container truck was intercepted, leading to the recovery of 168 bags of skunk. Similar seizures of cannabis and skunk were made in Edo State, Kano State, and other parts of Nigeria, resulting in the arrest of several individuals involved in the illegal drug trade.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating drug trafficking and the importance of international cooperation to effectively address this issue. The NDLEA’s efforts in intercepting these illicit substances demonstrate their commitment to maintaining airport security and combating the international drug trade.
