NDLEA arrests man with 25kg of ephedrine at Kano airport

The National Drug Law Enforcement

Agency (NDLEA) arrested a 59-year-old

man with 25kg of substances tested to be

ephedrine (a medication and stimulant),

while trying to board an Ethiopian airline

flight from the Aminu Kano International

Airport to South Africa.

The NDLEA says Ephedrine (EPH)

or pseudoephedrine (PSE), or drug products

containing these substances have chemicals

used in the illicit manufacture of

methamphetamine.

Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, NDLEA spokesperson in a

statement in Abuja, said that Christopher

Chukwuani, a fish farmer was intercepted at

the departure waiting lounge based on

intelligence.

“The suspect was arrested following a tip-off after

he had already gone through screening.

“When the substance was detected, it was tested

and found to be positive for ephedrine.

“Already, an investigation had commenced into the

case since the arrest on July 15,” Umoru stated.

The NDLEA spokesperson alleged that the 59-

year-old Enugu based fish farmer said he

smuggles drugs in order to expand his fish

farming business.

He said the suspect who said he was from

Agbogugu, Agwu Local Government Area of

Enugu State, is married and has three children.

“I decided to smuggle drugs to invest the

money in my fish farm. They promised to pay

me the sum of $2,000 dollars, the suspect

allegedly said .

NDLEA Chairman, retired Col. Muhammad

Abdallah said the arrest and seizure reiterated

the importance of intelligence in the fight

against drug trafficking.

“Effective drug control is predicated on excellent

intelligence management.

“This case is a validation of the cardinal role of

good intelligence gathering and processing.

“The case is being investigated and further

information shall be provided to members of the

public,” Abdallah said.

The NDLEA boss also assured that more arrests

in connection with the seizure are in the offing

and the suspect will soon be charged to court.