Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested an Ibadan-based businesswoman, Adewunmi Dorcas and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom and Congo Brazzaville, respectively.
The NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria had on Friday, September 6, 2024, intercepted a cargo going to the UK.
According to a statement on Sunday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, a thorough search of the consignment revealed that 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of Rohypnol were hidden in cartons of foodstuffs.
“The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, who presented the cargo for export, was promptly arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas sent the consignment to him from Ibadan to deliver to the agent. A follow-up operation on Saturday, September 7, led to the arrest of Mrs Adewunmi in Ibadan, where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export.
Babafemi also said the NDLEA operatives at the same export shed of the Lagos airport on September 11 intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and Checker powder custard going to Congo Brazzaville on Ethiopian Airlines.
He added that a diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of Checker powder custard packed together with some auto parts.
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora.
