Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a former commercial motorcyclist for allegedly attempting to smuggle 100 wraps of methamphetamine into Nigeria by swallowing the illicit substance before travelling from Uganda.
The agency disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the NDLEA, the suspect, who reportedly worked as an okada rider in Lagos for about 15 years, was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, after arriving from Uganda. His arrest followed intelligence gathering and close surveillance by anti-narcotics operatives.
Investigations revealed that the suspect had ingested 100 wraps of methamphetamine before boarding his flight to Nigeria in an attempt to evade airport security checks.
The agency said he was immediately placed under observation after his arrest, during which he excreted all 100 wraps of the banned drug.
Babafemi stated that preliminary findings indicate the suspect had recently become involved with an international drug trafficking syndicate, allegedly in pursuit of a better financial future.
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Reacting to the development, the NDLEA described the incident as another example of the dangers and consequences of engaging in illicit drug trafficking.
“After 15 years of working as an okada rider in Lagos, this individual decided to forcefully upgrade his social status by joining a transnational drug trafficking organisation,” the agency said.
“That dream has now ended in disappointment following his arrest at the Lagos airport after excreting 100 wraps of methamphetamine he ingested in Uganda.”
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug trafficking networks and warned that those involved in the illicit trade would continue to face the full weight of the law.