A 34-year-old nursing mother, Mrs.
Chizoba Mbonu, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency in connection with the unlawful exportation of six
kilogrames of cannabis to China.
The drug was said to have been
detected during a routine inspection of cargoes at the Nigerian Aviation
Handling Company Shed, Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.
The compressed dried weeds that
tested positive for cannabis was hidden in a luggage meant for export on an
Ethiopian airline flight.
It was gathered that the suspect, requested that she be allowed
access to her baby after her arrest.
NDLEA Lagos Airport commander, Mr.
Hamza Umur confirmed the arrest.
He said, “Chizoba had brought a bag
for export to China. During search, six kilogrammes of compressed cannabis was
found inside the bag. Also contained in the bag, were clothing, cell phones,
cell phone batteries and shoes.
“The case is already under investigation.
As a nursing mother with a three-month-old baby, Mbonu has a choice to be with
her baby during the course of investigation.”
Mbonu, however, claimed that she was
a victim of circumstance.
She said, “I am a customs licensed
agent with five years working experience. I was given the bag by a client to
send to China.
“I was told that the bag contained
sample goods, unfortunately drug was hidden inside. I didn’t know there were
drugs hidden inside until when it was discovered during the search.”
NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said
the agency would intensify efforts in arresting other persons connected with
the shipment.
He said, “Efforts are ongoing to
identify and apprehend other persons connected with the case. The NDLEA will
not relent in its efforts to prevent drugs from coming in and out of the
country.”
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