By IBIRONKE ARIYO

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a Milan-bound businessman with 4.80kg of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos.

A statement by Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, on Sunday in Abuja said that the drugs were concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travel bags.

Babafemi said the 38-year-old suspect was arrested on Sept. 27, at the joint screening point, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport ahead of his Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan, Italy.

He said that a thorough search by NDLEA operatives led to the recovery of 16 parcels of white powdery substance.

Babafemi said the drugs were hidden in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, plus 195 wraps of same substance concealed in the railings of four travelling bags.

“The substances tested positive for cocaine, with a combined weight of 4.80kg.

“During interview, the suspect claimed he paid N16 million in cash for the cocaine in the shoes, while the consignment in the bags was meant for delivery to his partner in Italy.

“He said he raised the money from compensation paid to him for an injury at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, in which he lost the tips of two fingers,” he said.

Babafemi said the NDLEA commands and formations across the country had continued the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitisation activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities among others.

“These include WADA enlightenment lecture at the St. Paul’s Secondary School, Oji, River Enugu State; Olu-Odo Primary School, Igbogbo, Ikorodu, Lagos State; and Government Junior Secondary School, Tsamiya, Kano.

“The sensitisation also took the NDLEA to Christ’s School, Ado Ekiti; and Government Science Secondary School, Lokoja, Kogi state,” Babafeni said. (NAN)