The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 48-year-old businessman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Ikeja Lagos, while heading to New Delhi, India, with 1.550 kilograms of suspected cocaine.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr Femi Babafemi on Sunday in Abuja.
Babafemi said that the suspect who liquidated all his assets to chase a dream of quick riches in the illicit drug trade, cleverly concealed the suspected illicit drugs in the side walls and railings of his bag.
He also said that the suspect who deals on marbles in Lagos, was arrested at the departure hall of terminal II of the Lagos airport while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to New Delhi, India.
“A search of his check-in bag uncovered 1.550 kilograms of suspected cocaine factory-fitted in the walls and railings of his bag.
“In a candid confession that lays bare the desperation that fuels the drug trade, the suspect said he had sold off his marble business and every asset he owned to raise the N23 million he paid for the consignment.
“The suspect said that the money was raised with the expectation of selling it in India for as much as N100 million.
“With his assets gone, and his dream of transiting from a marble trader to a drug kingpin effectively shattered following his arrest, the suspect remains in custody awaiting prosecution and likely time in jail,” he said.
