OPERATIVES of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a Milan, Italy-bound businessman, Philip Tunde, with 4.80 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed in the soles of shoes and the railings of travel bags at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja Lagos.
Spokesman of the agency, Femi Babafemi, in a statement, explained that the 38-year-old suspect was arrested on Sunday, September 27, at the joint screening point, Terminal 2 of the Lagos airport ahead of his Royal Air Maroc flight to Milan.
Babafemi explained that a thorough search by NDLEA operatives led to the recovery of 16 parcels of white powdery substance hidden in the soles of eight pairs of trainers and canvas shoes, and 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.
He added that during interrogation, the suspect claimed he paid N16million in cash for the cocaine in the shoes, while the consignment in the bags was meant for delivery to his partner in Italy, saying he raised the money from compensation paid him for an injury at a plastic manufacturing company in Italy, in which he lost the tips of two fingers.
