NDLEA arrests airline Manager, NAHCO worker over drugs
THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA) has arrested a South Africa Airline manager, Adebulehin Michael, 46, and a Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) baggage officer, Olude Hakeem, 39, for allegedly attempting to smuggle a bag containing 500 grammes of cocaine imported from Brazil, out of the airport.
According to NDLEA boss, Ahmadu Giade, the suspects are believed to have links with major drug traffickers in Brazil.
He described the suspects’ action as national sabotage, adding that they would be prosecuted in line with the agency’s Act to serve as a deterrent to others.
Giade warned that the agency was prepared to tackle drug barons to enhance security at the nation’s airports.
“We are delighted with the discovery and subsequent arrest of the suspects. It is disappointing that people who should ordinarily assist the agency are out-rightly working against us. This is a calculated attempt to undermine, the operations of the agency and it will be vehemently resisted. We will remain vigilant to counter such inimical activities,” he said.
Giade, who expressed optimism that more arrests would be made said if the airline is found wanting, the agency would not hesitate to take necessary legal action.
“We have commenced investigation into the case. If the airline is found wanting, we will not hesitate to sanction it,” he added.
The NDLEA Airport Commander, Alhaji Hamza Umar, added that both suspects have confessed to the crime.
Daily Trust Thursday 25th November 2010
Page 10
From Nahimah Ajikanle Nurudeen, Lagos
