By LAWANI MIKAIRU

LAGOS — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has aborted a plot to export 9.2 kg of methamphetamine hidden inside palm oil to South Africa.

The discovery was made during screening of cargoes on a South African Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

A taxi driver who brought the consignment has been apprehended by the anti-narcotic officials.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, while confirming the arrest, gave the name of the taxi driver as Okwuokei Peter.

He said: “A taxi driver by name Okwuokei Peter has been arrested for attempting to export 9.2 kg of methamphetamine to South Africa. The drug was packed in 41 parcels and hidden inside a gallon containing palm oil.”

According to Ofoyeju Mitchell, Head, Public Affairs of the agency, the suspect in his statement said  he was sending the drug to his regular passenger.

In his words: “One of my regular passengers asked me to send the gallon of oil to him. I thought I was doing him a favour but little did I know that it will land me in a big trouble.

“He asked me to collect a gallon of palm oil from somebody. When I got to the estate junction as directed by him, a young man walked up to me and asked if I am Peter, I said yes. Then he gave me the gallon of sealed palm oil.

“At the airport, it was found to contain drugs during search. In fact, I am speechless, confused and frustrated.”

The suspect who hails from Delta State lives in Lagos with his wife and four children.

Commenting on the incident, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said: “Members of the public are advised in their interest to shun drug trafficking. Ignorance is not an excuse under the act. If you are not sure that consignment is drug-free, then do not take it for export otherwise you are liable. People must be cautious.”