Deadly food: NDLEA uncovers cocaine in milk cans

A 39-year-old drug trafficker, George Mike Adelabu, is helping officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Airport Command, to unravel how 1.5kg of cocaine found its way into factory-sealed liquid milk cans and other canned foods. The shocking discovery, which spotlights another wave of drug smuggling, was made during the outward screening of passengers on Emirates flight to India.
The suspect, already in ankle chain, is cooling his heels at the office of the NDLEA. Also arrested for drug related offences are Samuel Aminat Abiodun, a hair stylist, who deals in jewellery, and a trader, Nkpachi Pedro Collins, 41. Adelabu, who hails from Ondo State, is married with a son and resides at Epe in Lagos.
In his statement, he claimed to have been involved in drug trafficking as a result of frustration. “I am a trader. I sell clothes. I now hawk my wares because I lost my job. I would have been given $2,500 for smuggling the drugs,” George stated. Upon interrogation, the suspect gave useful information that is assisting narcotic investigators in uncovering more members of the drug cartel. Aminat, a 44-year-old divorcee with three children, lives at Ikorodu in Lagos, South West Nigeria. She was also arrested during the outward screening of passengers on Emirate flight to India at the departure hall of the Lagos Airport. During a careful examination of the bag, some suspected powdery substances concealed in the bag were recovered. When weighed and tested, 800 grammes were found to be cocaine, while 5.5kg proved positive for ephedrine. Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said t the mode of concealment was a reflection of the desperation and sophistication of drug trafficking syndicates. “This is shocking. Drug trafficking cartels will continue to devise new tricks of shipping t drugs to preferred markets where they believe they would have more financial value. Who would have imagined that the content of the tins are not milk? The agency has equally risen to the challenge by conducting meticulous search as well as adopting other techniques to counter the illicit activities of drug barons,” Giade stated. The anti-drug boss advocated a multi-pronged approach in ensuring a drug-free society. While calling on members of the public to volunteer useful information that would lead to drug burst, he assured that such help would be greatly rewarded. This measure, the agency believes, will encourage people to assist in tracking down more drug barons. According to Giade, “we are adopting multiple strategies in addressing the drug problem because no one process can adequately tackle the drug trafficking situation in the country. The agency needs the support of all stakeholders and welcomes useful information that would lead to drug burst. This has become imperative because of the strange modes employed in the illicit drug trade. We are prepared to handsomely reward anyone that would give us vital information.” Culled from : Sun Newspaper