Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have foiled an attempt by an ex-convict, Olanrewaju Akorede, to smuggle a consignment of Rohypnol to South Africa through the export shed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
The NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, the consignment was concealed in a cargo containing everyday items such as garri, shoes, men’s singlets, and other goods.
Akorede had previously been convicted for a similar crime earlier this year. Babafemi explained that the ex-convict was arrested on December 12, 2023, for attempting to smuggle 4.90 kilograms of tramadol and 2.10 kilograms of Rohypnol to South Africa via the same airport.
“He was sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos with an option to pay a fine of N900,000. Akorede paid the fine and was released, but he has now returned to repeat the same crime,” the statement said.
The NDLEA has reiterated its commitment to fighting drug trafficking and ensuring offenders are brought to justice. Babafemi urged the public to support the agency’s efforts in curbing the menace of drug trafficking, which poses significant risks to society.
