by Dolapo Adelana

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended two Brazilian drug suspects over the unlawful importation of canned whitish substance that tested positive for cocaine.

The suspects, a male and a female, who claimed to be tourists were arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos with the canned cocaine amidst personal effects inside their luggage.

The cocaine weighed 23.865kg with an estimated street value of about ₦310 million.

[Read Also:] Drug trafficking: NDLEA declares Lagos socialite wanted

According to the anti-narcotic agency, Nigeria-Brazil cocaine trafficking route has gained notoriety over the years, “but this is the first arrest of Brazilians with cocaine at the Lagos airport. The tins were factory-sealed such that officers had to cut it open to discover the concealed drugs. Several canned drugs had been uncovered at the Lagos airport in the past. This development has not come as a surprise to narcotic investigators because drug cartels are always adopting new strategies of smuggling drugs.”

The NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, gave the names of the suspects as Dias Dos Santos Marcia Cristina, 36, found with 9.4kg of cocaine in her bag and Lima Pereira Erick Diego, 20, found with 14.465kg of cocaine in his bag.

“Two Brazilian drug suspects, a male and a female have been arrested with cocaine at the arrival hall of the airport. The arrest took place during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight. The suspects travelled together from Sao Paulo, Brazil. During search operation, a total of 23.865kg of cocaine was found on them,” the NDLEA Commander declared.

[Read Also:] NDLEA arrests police inspector with 75 sacks of cannabis

The agency said the suspects will be arraigned in court.

Speaking on the development, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd) described narcotic interdiction at the Lagos airport as impressive and commendable.

Abdallah said, “This arrest is impressive. It is a clarion call for nations to work harder and deepen collaboration in the fight against narcotics. Collective efforts are required towards making local and international borders impenetrable by drug traffickers and other criminals.”