The Chairman/Chief
Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade has
commended the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)
over the arrest of a Lebanese at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport
(MMIA) Lagos. The intelligence that led to the arrest of the suspect, Yves Awad
last weekend was supplied by FAAN to the NDLEA. The arrest occurred during the
outward screening of passengers on Middle East Airline flight.
The
NDLEA boss who commended the cordial working relationship between the NDLEA and
FAAN called for a deeper synergy among government agencies. In his words, “I must
commend the management of FAAN for the role it played in this arrest. This synergy
among government agencies should be encouraged in the interest of national
peace and development” Giade stated.
NDLEA
commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar said the case is being
investigated. “A 23 year old Lebanese has been apprehended with 260 grammes of
cocaine. The drug was hidden inside his boxer shorts. I am happy that FAAN
assisted us in making this arrest. When the drug was field tested, it proved
positive for cocaine. The suspect holds a dual citizenship of Nigeria and
Lebanon. He was found to have traveled to Nigeria from Lebanon six times since
January 2015. The case is under investigation” Hamza stated.
The
suspect in his statement said that a friend asked him to buy the drug for him.
“I was born in Lagos and I attended Lebanese Community School Yaba Lagos. After
my secondary education in Nigeria, I got admission to study my A levels at Notre
Dame University in Lebanon. My friend in Lebanon gave me money to buy cocaine
for him. At the airport, the drug was detected and I was arrested and taken to
NDLEA office. The drug was tested and it was found to be cocaine”.
The
suspect will soon be charged to court for unlawful possession and exportation
of cocaine. If he is found guilty by the court, he could spend the next 15
years in prison custody.
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