Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos are currently investigating the alleged involvement of a 38-year-old mother of three children over attempt to export 2.04kg of cannabis to South Africa. The dried weed that tested positive for cannabis was concealed in cartons of Knorr seasoning cubes.
The suspect, Rashidat Abdulkarim during interrogation, accused her husband who lives in South Africa of implicating her. NDLEA airport commander, Hamza Umar said that the drug was seized at the cargo section of Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO).
The seizure was made during routine screening of goods at the cargo section. During a careful search, 2.04kg of cannabis was found to be concealed in a carton of Knorr seasoning. Other items in the luggage are local textiles and herbal medicines. The consignor was immediately arrested following the discovery of the cannabis, Hamza stated.
Rashidat, who claims to sell female shoes and hand bags said that she is still in deep shock that cannabis was found in the consignment sent to her by her husband. “I am in shock and pain that my husband is behind my problem. My husband sent N28,000 to buy locally made textiles. He also told me that one man will bring food seasoning and herbal medicines to me. I bought the textiles and added it to the seasoning bought by the man. On getting to the airport, drug was found inside the carton of seasoning. I am so sad and disappointed,” Rashidat stated.
The accused, who hails from Lagos State, also expressed her worries over the fate of her children.
“I struggle to fend for myself and my three children. Even before my husband travelled to South Africa, he left me with the upkeep of the family. I have suffered so much financial neglect. I have never smuggled drugs all my life. He has done the worst. My eldest child is only thirteen years,” she said.
By Pita Ochai
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