NDLEA arrests fleeing drug trafficker at Port Harcourt airport

The operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a drug trafficker, Udogwu James Johnson, while trying to flee the country at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers State.

Johnson, who was facing multiple charges of drug offences, was arrested at the airport on Friday after he jumped bail.

The NDLEA Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this via a statement issued on Sunday.

Babafemi stated that the 51-year-old suspect was already facing trial at a Federal High Court in Lagos before he was arrested again on April 9 in Port Harcourt for importing 5.48kg cocaine concealed in lotion plastic bottles sealed with candle wax.

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He noted that the suspect was granted bail by a Federal High Court in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, November 23, over his latest offence while the Lagos court had issued a warrant of arrest against him for jumping bail over his case in Lagos.

The NDLEA spokesperson added the move by a 46-year-old Brazilian returnee, Iroegbute Ejike Francis, to smuggle 4kg cocaine soaked in towels stuffed in his hand luggage into the country was foiled on Thursday by the officers of the anti-drug agency at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Babafemi disclosed that Francis was arrested on Thursday upon his arrival on a Qatar Airline flight from Brazil to Abuja.

Speaking on the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), commended the officers of the agency for their professionalism in the discharge of their duties and the remarkable results that followed.

Marwa enjoined them and their compatriots across the country not to let down their guards as the nation approaches the festive season.

The Star