Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Abuja have commenced the interrogation of the chief security supervisor of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) and three others in connection with unlawful exportation of 144kg of ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique.

The drug was concealed noodles and packed in three brown cartons together with relaxers and cereals.

Meanwhile, another staff of NAHCO, Victor Ahenje, a load controller who is linked with the conspiracy but currently on the run, had been declared wanted by the anti-narcotic agency.

The plot, according to the NDLEA, was to smuggle the illegal shipment out of the country in an Ethiopian Airline flight, but was timely intercepted.

Hamisu Lawan, NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, said some officials who were working at the cargo section were invited for questioning and four NAHCO staff were subsequently detained.

“Those being interrogated in respect of the seized drug include Audu Garba, chief security supervisor, two security officers, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi as well as Adamu Dasura, a driver. Preliminary investigation suggests flagrant lapses on the part of NACHO security in charge of cargo. So far, they are cooperating with our team of investigators,” Hamisu stated.

Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, chairman/chief executive of the NDLEA, has called for proper vetting and re-vetting of airport staff to prevent acts of sabotage and compromise capable of undermining national security.

According to Abdallah, “this is a suspected case of conspiracy involving workers within the airport community. The Agency is investigating the level of involvement of the suspects under interrogation and anyone indicted shall be prosecuted.

“Any act of sabotage can cause untold damage to national security. We shall get to the root of this case. The Agency is working very hard to promote peace and enhance the image of the country.”

•Sourced from Business Day (Nigeria).

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