The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Sunday Ohiagu, a cleaner at Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos, for allegedly leading a drug syndicate at the airport's international wing.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the suspect was apprehended on Tuesday following the arrest of an intending passenger on an Air Peace flight to Dubai, UAE.
Obinna Osita, the passenger, was arrested with three bags, two of which contained eight blocks of Cannabis sativa weighing 4.25kg hidden in cassava product, garri, and crayfish, according to him.
Mr Babafemi also stated that another member of the airport syndicate who worked with Mr Ohiagu had been arrested, and that operatives were on the lookout for another suspect.
"Investigations revealed that a Dubai-based drug dealer hired Obinna, a 42-year-old native of Anambra's Oyi Local Government Area, to traffic the drugs, and also hired Ohiagu, a 34-year-old airport cleaner from Imo's Orlu West Local Government Area, to create access for the trafficker's unhindered passage."
"The drug syndicate bust, which is the first drug arrest at the MMIA's new terminal, follows the seizure of a consignment of viju and fearless energy drinks."
"On Monday, August 15, they were used to conceal skunk for export to Dubai, UAE through the NAHCO export shed," he said.
Mr Babafemi stated that a freight agent had already been arrested in connection with the seizure, and that additional investigations were ongoing.