CLEARING AGENTS ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO EXPORT COCAINE WORTH N220M

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested an exporter and three clearing agents in connection with the unlawful exportation of illicit drugs out of the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, which was obtained by the NAN on Friday in Lagos.

The statement said the suspects were apprehended by officers of the agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos.

It said that the alleged exporter and clearing agents (names withheld), were nabbed due to the diligence of the anti-narcotics officials.

“The seized drugs weighing 54.76kg included 24.7kg of methamphetamine disguised as artificial hair, 2.810kg of cocaine concealed in foodstuff and 27.250kg of diazepam. “The seized drugs have a street value of N220 million,” the statement said.

“Anyone whose action contravenes the NDLEA Act shall not escape justice. Many traffickers have been successfully convicted at the law courts by the agency.

“Clearing agents are liable under the law when narcotic drugs are traced to their shipments. They, therefore, have a responsibility to know their customers and be able to produce them on request.

“It is pertinent for them to take necessary measures in preventing their consignments from being used in smuggling narcotic drugs.

“Investigations into the cases have commenced and more arrests are in the offing,” Abdallah the NDLEA Chairman said.