Also, an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, was arrested by the agency for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Congo Brazzaville.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the arrest of a businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas and her son for attempting to export opioids to the UK.
Also, an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora, was arrested by the agency for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Congo Brazzaville.
A press statement issued by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA Director of Media & Advocacy on Sunday stated that on September 6, NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos intercepted a cargo bound for the UK, containing 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol hidden in foodstuffs.
The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday, was arrested, and further investigation led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi and her son, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, according to the statement.
The statement reads: “Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested an Ibadan, Oyo state-based businesswoman, Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas and an auto parts dealer, Arinze Ora over attempts to export consignments of opioids and cocaine to London, United Kingdom and Congo Brazzaville respectively.
“NDLEA officers at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos had on Friday 6th September 2024 intercepted a cargo going to the United Kingdom. A thorough search of the consignment revealed 924 bottles of codeine-based syrup weighing 135.70kg and 5,250 tablets of rohypnol were hidden in cartons of foodstuffs.
“The freight agent, Owojori Olanrewaju Sunday who presented the cargo for export was promptly arrested. Further investigation led to the arrest of another suspect, Adewunmi Akeem Temitope, who claimed that his mother, 58-year-old Mrs. Adewunmi Adebola Dorcas sent the consignment to him from Ibadan to deliver to the agent. A follow-up operation on Saturday, 7th September led to the arrest of Mrs. Adewunmi in Ibadan where she deals in foodstuffs and cargo export.
“In his statement, the agent Owojori confessed that he has been working for Mrs. Adewunmi to export cargoes to the UK, adding that he was paid N2,411,000.00 for the job, while he was paid N2.1million for a similar consignment handled for the businesswoman earlier.
“In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the same export shed of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 11th September intercepted some cartons of auto spare parts and checkers powder custard going to Congo Brazzaville on Ethiopian Airlines. A diligent search of the cargo led to the discovery of 300 grams of cocaine concealed in the containers of checkers powder custard packed together with some auto parts.
“A follow-up operation led to the arrest of the sender of the consignment, Arinze Ora, who deals in auto parts at Shop 12, Block 7 Aspanda Trade Fair Auto Parts Wing, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos.”