NDLEA Intercepts Congo-Bound Illicit Drugs, Arrests Two Suspects

Chiemelie Ezeobi

In another ingenious busting of a drug trafficking syndicate, officers of the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Thursday intercept some illicit drugs, including cocaine, which were intended to be smuggled to Congo Brazzaville.

The agency also arrested two suspects who attempted to smuggle the drugs 28 packs of Tramadol weighing 21.99kgs and 1.8kgs of cocaine, through a disc jockey box and boxer shorts respectively.

While 27-year-old Afube Izuchukwu Henry, was identified as an automobile parts dealer, the other suspect, 36-year-old Chijioke Chukwuemeka Raphael, was said to be a factory worker in Dubai.

Confirming the arrests, NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell, said the seizure was made at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

He said, “The Tramadol which was hidden among camera items was intercepted during pre-shipment inspection. The consignment was destined for Congo Brazzaville in Central Africa.

“Another suspect was also caught with 1.8kg of cocaine in his boxer shorts on his way from Dubai. Both suspects are being investigated.”

Also, NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmed Garba said, “Chijioke who deals in automobile parts was arrested for attempting to export 21.99kgs of Tramadol hidden inside a DJ rack box meant for export to Congo Brazzaville.

“Another suspect, Chijioke Chukwuemeka Raphael, a Dubai based factory worker was arrested with 1.8kgs of cocaine packed inside socks and concealed in his boxer shorts during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirate flight from Dubai.”

Afube who hails from Anambra and married with two children said he only acted on his elder brother’s instruction.

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