Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended Olanrewaju Akorede, an ex-convict, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. Akorede was attempting to smuggle a consignment of Rohypnol to South Africa through the airport’s export shed.
The illicit substance was concealed within a cargo shipment containing garri, shoes, men’s singlets, and other items. This arrest comes shortly after Akorede’s previous conviction for a similar offense. In December 2023, he was arrested for attempting to export 4.90 kg of tramadol and 2.10 kg of Rohypnol to South Africa via the same airport facility.
Following his earlier arrest, Akorede was sentenced to two years imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Lagos. The court offered an option of a N900,000 fine, which he paid, leading to his release. Despite this prior conviction, Akorede resumed his illicit activities, resulting in his recent apprehension.
The NDLEA continues to intensify its efforts to combat drug trafficking through Nigerian airports, ensuring that individuals involved in such illegal activities are brought to justice.
