NDLEA seizes liquid drug disguised as vegetable oil

The drug

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has seized the “first illegal shipment” of liquid methamphetamine to South Africa.

The methamphetamine which weigh seven kilogrammes was disguised as vegetable oil.

 It was learnt that anti-narcotic officials made the discovery at the cargo section of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos during a routine check.

A customs-licensed agent, who brought the consignment for shipment through a South African Airline flight, was also said to have been arrested by the agency.

 NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, confirmed the arrest and seizure.

He said, “This is the first seizure of liquid methamphetamine. There were six containers in all but only two were found with vegetable oil, while the remaining four contained liquid methamphetamine. With the assistance of our forensic personnel, we were able to extract the crystallised methamphetamine which weighed 7kg.”

Liquid methamphetamine is said to be formed when methamphetamine crystals are dissolved in water. The water can be heated, leaving the drug in solid forms.

The NDLEA had in 2012, uncovered three methamphetamine factories in Lagos and one in Anambra states.  The production of methamphetamine is said to have grave health implications for those involved and others living within the immediate vicinity.

The suspect, a 31-year-old native of Imo State, Ugochukwu Okoroji, said he owned the seized drug.

He said, “I started living in Lagos in 2003, but I started working as a clearing and forwarding agent in 2008. I have been struggling to make ends meet without success. I have already told the NDLEA officers before their examination that the consignment belonged to me. By the time they discovered the drug, I was very unhappy.”

Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, commended the discovery.

He said, “The NDLEA will continue to prevent illegal drug trade through effective drug law enforcement as well as anti-drug abuse advocacy campaign.”