Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a man, Ariyibi Ahmed Olaseinde, and a female divorcee, Akanbi Silifat Tunrayo with 14.4 kilogramme of Cocaine while on their way to Saudi Arabia for lesser hajj.
Both Ariyibi and Akanbi were arrested with the substance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos.
They were said to have concealed the drugs in lace and Ankara fabrics.
A statement in Abuja on Sunday by the NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi said Ariyibi was intercepted on Thursday, April 20 at the screening point of MMIA Terminal 2 during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers travelling from Lagos via Doha to Medina, Saudi Arabia.
“When his carry-on bag was checked, four sets of white lace material with linings of substance that tested positive to Cocaine weighing 11.50kg were discovered.
“The suspect who claimed to be a widower and an advertising practitioner said his original plan was to ingest the drugs but had to change his mind after failed attempts to swallow bitter cola, which he was using to practice the process.
“He is expected to be paid One Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira (N1,800,000) upon successful delivery of the consignment in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
“The previous day, Wednesday 19th April, NDLEA officers at the Terminal 2 of the airport also arrested Mrs. Silifat Tunrayo Akanbi with 2.90kg cocaine during outward clearance of Qatar Airways passengers from Lagos via Doha to Jedda, Saudi Arabia.
“A search of her hand luggage led to the discovery of six sheets of cocaine weighing 2.90kg concealed in ankara fabrics.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is a divorcee and a trader who used to hawk cloths around Awoyaya area of Ajah, Lagos.
“Based on information in her statement, a follow-up operation that lasted through the night into the early hours of Thursday 20th April was carried out, during which the person who recruited her, Alhaji Adebayo Adeola Wasiu was arrested at No 28, Olateju Street, Mushin, Lagos.
“Adebayo is the managing director of B&T Travel Agency.(vitalnewsngr.com)
