NDLEA intercepts 25kg meth hidden in cereal packs from South Africa

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 25.05kg of methamphetamine concealed in breakfast cereal packs imported from South Africa through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The agency also arrested a 56-year-old suspect, identified as Omokan Isaac Babatope, whose real name is Chinedu Onwude, over the shipment.

NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, saying the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, November 11, at the arrival hall of Terminal II of the airport.

According to the statement, a search of the suspect’s two travelling boxes led to the recovery of 25 parcels of a white crystalline substance concealed in assorted breakfast cereals and cereal-based food products.

The substance subsequently tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing 25.05kg.

The agency said the suspect holds Nigerian and South African passports and has lived in South Africa for over 24 years.

During preliminary interrogation, Onwude allegedly confessed to adopting the identity of Omokan Isaac Babatope after using forged documents to gain entry into South Africa.

He reportedly told investigators that a South Africa-based man, Obiora Okoye, contracted him to deliver the consignment to Nigeria for R20,000.

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In a separate operation at the airport on the same day, NDLEA operatives arrested a 28-year-old American professional basketball player, Greene Da’monte Khiree, over a 33.95kg shipment of cannabis, popularly known as Loud, imported from Thailand through Dubai.

The suspect allegedly abandoned two checked-in bags before attempting to leave the airport with his carry-on luggage.

A search of the bags, which bore his name tag, revealed 32 parcels of Loud weighing 33.95kg. A tracking device was also recovered.

Babafemi said a forensic examination of the suspect’s mobile phone revealed information indicating his knowledge of and involvement in the drug trafficking operation.

The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the airport command for the interceptions, saying the concealment of methamphetamine in cereal packs demonstrated the agency’s vigilance and professionalism.