..Sparking Outrage and Vigilance Calls
A Pathfinder company employee at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is facing investigation after attempting to use a passenger to smuggle drugs through security.
The incident, which occurred on January 16, 2024, has sparked outrage on social media after a video of the confrontation went viral.
The passenger, suspecting foul play, refused to cooperate and raised an alarm.
Since the incident, the suspect had been suspended by the company.
According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), spokesman Mr Femi Babafemi said, the parcel contained two types of medication, after subjecting them to testing- one was identified as a dietary supplement and the other, tramadol, a prescription painkiller often misused for its addictive properties.
He said, the quantity of the drug is yet to be revealed, pending further investigation and has requested the suspect be transferred to the NDLEA for proper scrutiny.
Initially, the suspect was mistakenly identified as a Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) staff.
However, FAAN later clarified that the individual is a Pathfinder employee and has been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“When the passenger became sceptical, he raised an alarm, alleging that he was being set up for drug trafficking,” said FAAN spokesperson Mrs. Obiageli Orah, detailing the events in a statement.
The suspect was detained by the Aviation Security Services and is now in the custody of the NDLEA for further questioning.
This incident highlights the ongoing battle against drug trafficking, particularly at airports, and the importance of passenger vigilance against such attempts.
