PHOTO: CargotoNigeria
Company pledges cooperation in investigation
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed how
staffers of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) allegedly
conspired with suspected drug traffickers in a botched attempt to export
144kgs of ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique.
Narcotics are illegal or banned addictive drugs that affect mood or behaviour. NDLEA, in its preliminary investigation, alleged that the NAHCO
officials, in charge of cargo safety and security at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
International Airport (NAIA) Abuja, swapped already screened
consignments with similar packages that contained narcotics.
At least four of the staffers have been arrested and charged to court for prosecution.
Meanwhile, NAHCO has said it would fully cooperate with officials of
NDLEA as part of measures to rid the airports and the nation of illicit
drug trafficking.
NDLEA revealed that the illicit activities of the group were
uncovered following an intelligence report by the anti-narcotic agency.
In the course of investigation, the agency extended her search by
inviting a number of airport officials suspected to be involved in the
incident for interrogation.
While others were cleared, five staff of NAHCO including a load controller who is at large was indicted.
“These staff were deliberately working to undermine security measures
at the airport by swapping already screened cargoes with similar
consignment that had been stuffed with narcotics,” NDLEA said in a
report.
The Chief Security Supervisor, Audu Garba, was also identified as the
suspected mastermind of this high-level conspiracy. Others are two
security assistants, Nasiru Ibrahim and Haruna Abdullahi, a driver,
Adamu Dasura as well as a load controller, Victor Ahenje who is at
large.
It was disclosed that the defendants took undue advantage of their
positions and privilege by deploying the official vehicle of NAHCO in
the said act of sabotage. Furthermore, the shipment of 144kgs of
ephedrine, a medication used to prevent low blood pressure during spinal
anaesthesia, concealed among hair relaxers and cereals was swapped with
a similar package that was screened by all security operatives.
Abuja airport commander of the NDLEA, Hamisu Lawan, said it was a
case of outright swap of already screened cargoes with similar bags.
“Our team of investigators have made significant progress in the case
and so far the management of NAHCO is cooperating with the agency,”
Hamisu said.
Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha
Abdallah (rtd.) said that weak-links current explored by drug
traffickers must be identified and strengthened.
Mustapha said: “This is unacceptable and unethical. It is time to
identify and beef-up areas of weaknesses. The action of the defendants
is calculated to undermine the collective efforts of the entire airport
security community.
“This deliberate act to damage the reputation of the country in the
interest of some drug trafficking syndicates must be condemned and
resisted by all. The charges have been filed in and they will appear in
court soon,” he said.
Managing Director of NAHCO, Norbert Bielderman, told reporters in
Lagos that the company was cooperating with the NDLEA to fish out all
the culprits.
According to Bielderman, “The Company has zero tolerances for all
vices and would not spare anyone found wanting in this regard. In this
wise, our recruitment process and background checks on new employees are
constantly being reviewed.”
Sources:-http://guardian.ng
