NDLother with cocaine in chocolate packs held
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended two women for alleged drug trafficking. The arrests were made at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.
The suspects are a hair stylist, Faith Onuoha, 24, allegedly caught with one kilogramme of methamphetamine hidden in her brazier and inner wear and a London-based fashion designer, Sulikiatu Bisola Animasaun, 25, with 3 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in packs of chocolates.
The Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said Onuoha was detected with the assistance of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Umar said: “I must commend the officials of FAAN for their support and cooperation. Onuoha wanted to take a local flight to Abuja where she will connect another flight to Malaysia but was caught at the local wing of the airport. She packed 750 grammes of methamphetamine in her brazier and inner wear while 250 grammes were also ingested by her. Animasaun was arrested during screening of passengers on a British Airways flight to London. “Thirty sachets of cocaine weighing 3kg was found inside two chocolates containers in her bag,” Umar said.
Animasaun told investigators that she was lured into the drug deal.
She said: “This is a very big mistake on my part. I hope I will be given the opportunity to right my wrongs. They promised me 3,000 pounds to take the packs of chocolates. Apart from the financial inducement, I should have resisted the temptation. It is a mistake that will never happen again.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that the London-based fashion designer was seen as a good courier who may not attract suspicion. She has dual citizenship and had lived in London all her life. Her British international passport number is 306673168. Her Nigeria international passport number is A0243146.
Onuoha hails from Orlu in Imo State. According to her, she wanted to use the proceeds of the drug business to further her education.
She said: “I am a hair dresser because I have no money to pursue my education. I completed my primary school in 2003 and wanted to use the proceeds from the drug business to further my education.”
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade said the agency would prevent drug trafficking.
Giade said: “The officials that made the seizures and arrests must sustain their efforts in prompt interception of drugs. Drug traffickers male or female must be stopped from tarnishing the image of our country. I urge members of the public to collaborate with the Agency in tracing drug barons. We must stop them from the criminal trade and promote peaceful coexistence in our country.”
The suspects, said Giade, will soon be charged to court
