This was as a clandestine laboratory, where meth, a powerful addictive stimulant was discovered at a location, off Lekki-Epe Express-way Lagos. The dis-covery has brought the number of such laboratories uncovered by the NDLEA in the last two years to six.
Meanwhile,
the suspects, arrested in connection with the 352 million naira worth of
meth weighing 70.4kg, were identified as Adewuyi Segun, 45, Atebata Godwin, 27,
Akpaida Kareem Ajayi, 33 and Ukpabi Paul 36. It was gathered that they
met their waterloo at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos,
while attempting to export the illicit drugs to Malaysia, through an Ethiopian
Airways flight.
The
NDLEA Lagos Airport Commander Mr. Hamza Umar, who confirmed the arrest
said: “the methamp-hetamine consignments include 32.7kg brought by
Adewuyi Segun, 20kg brought by Ukpabi Paul and Akpaida Kareem Ajayi as well as
17.7kg brought by Atebata Godwin. All the suspects are cooperating with
investigators,” he stated.
One
of the suspects, Ukpabi Paul, who hails from Imo State and sells motorcycle
parts at Nnewi, Anambra State, appealed for mercy stating that he is a first
time offender. “I am married with three children. My role was to give the
drug to a clearing agent by name Akpaida Kareem Ajayi. Please, be merciful …it is
my first time”, he pleaded.
While
Akpaida Kareem Ajayi, blamed his involvement on greed and desire to make quick
money. According to him: “I have myself to blame because they paid me 500,000
naira to send the shipment. I agreed to participate in the illegal deal because
of money that was offered to me.”
However,
the discovery of a meth laboratory in an urban area has been described as
injurious to public health and safety. Two schools, Rock of Ages Creche
Nursery and Primary School and Regal Gems International School, were said to be
located very close to the building used for the laboratory.
A
30-year-old man with dual nationality of Nigeria and South Africa, identified
as Michael Anum, was arrested in connection with the laboratory. While
methamphe-tamine, weighing 31.7kg and a Nissan Xterra SUV belonging to the
suspect, were also recovered from the laboratory.
Mr.
Anum who is believed to be the owner of a transport company in South Africa is
currently being investigated by the anti-narcotic Agency.
The
Commander NDLEA Lagos State, Aliyu Sule who supervised the operation disclosed
that the command acted on intelligence report. According to Aliyu, “ we
received an intelligence report on the illicit activities taking place at the
building . When we raided the premises, we observed that methamphetamine
production was in progress. A total of 31.7kg of methamphetamine have been
seized at the laboratory”.
Ahmadu
Giade, chairman of the NDLEA, in his response commended the officers for
the discovery. “This latest discovery of illegal Methamphetamine laboratory is
commendable. The Agency is determined to arrest this disturbing drug trend in
the country. Drug barons have no hiding place in the country because our
counter-intelligence service will soon detect their inimical activities and
bring them to justice”.
Vanguard
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