NDLEA intercepts N1.1 billion travellers’ cheque at Lagos airport
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted travellers’ cheques in various foreign currencies of over N1.1billion at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
This is contained in a statement by Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy, of the agency, on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Babafemi said that at least, a suspect, Oguma Uchenna, had been arrested in connection to an attempt to export the cheques.
These cheques, he said, were neatly concealed inside four bound hardcover books, disguised as academic project literatures, to the United Kingdom.
He said that the financial instruments suspected to be counterfeits, were discovered on April 27, at the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) export shed of the Lagos airport.
He explained that the discovery was made during cargo examination of some consignments meant for exportation to the UK on a cargo flight.
“A breakdown of the cheques shows they have monetary values of two hundred and eighty seven thousand, six hundred and twenty three dollars, thirty one cent ($287, 623.31)
“One million, four hundred and fifty six thousand, three hundred Canadian dollars ($1,456,300) and One million, two hundred and ninety seven thousand, eight hundred (1,297,800) euros.
“This is with a total value of one billion, one hundred and fifty seven million, six hundred and seventy thousand, four hundred and sixty nine Naira and ninety two kobo (N1,157, 670,469.92),” he said.
In the same vein, operatives of NDLEA at the airport, had foiled an attempt by drug traffickers to smuggle into the country, 10.89 kilograms of cocaine, through a Qatar Airways flight.
Mr Babafemi said that the illicit drug was hidden in seven children’s duvets, packed in an unaccompanied bag from Brazil.
He quoted the chairman of the NDLEA, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, as commending the officers and men of the MMIA, for the seizures and arrests in the past week.
Mr Marwa charged them and their compatriots across the country, to remain steadfast and vigilant in their areas of responsibility.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
ISWAP chief photographer, other media team members killed in sustained military operations
The spokesperson said several other key fighters sustained severe injuries as they fled under intense military pressure.
Heading 2
New Jersey registered 6,600 non-citizens as voters in error: Governor Sherrill
The governor attributed the error to a software glitch in the state’s Motor Vehicle Commission.
Abuja
Three Abuja security guards in court over alleged theft of scaffold pipes worth N1.8 million
The prosecutor said that the offence is contrary to Sections 79 and 289 of the Penal Code.
NationWide
Navy hands over two rescued victims of human traffickers to NAPTIP
Mr Folorunsho said that the handover was conducted by Forward Operating Base (FOB) BADAGRY, on July 19 at the agency’s Lagos Zonal Command in Ikeja.
States
Insecurity: Tinubu approves establishment of army battalion in Kwara
The battalion will be stationed in Omu-Aran, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area.
World
Saudi oil tankers make U-turn in Red Sea as Houthi militants threaten attack
Three oil tankers carrying Saudi crude to China and India made U-turns in the Red Sea on Tuesday following a threatened attack from Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia.
