Brazilians arrested for importing N310m canned cocaine

Brazilians arrested for importing N310m canned cocaine Afeez Hanafi Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Lagos State , have apprehended two Brazilians for unlawful importation of cocaine . The suspects , who claimed to be tourists , had allegedly smuggled the drug weighing 23 . 9 kilogrammes in sealed cans into the country. PUNCH Metro learnt that the narcotic , which was estimated at N310 m , was found in their luggage during the screening of passengers on arrival at the airport . The suspects were identified as Cristina Dos Santos, 36 , and 20 - year -old Lima Diego. While Dos Santos was found with 9 . 4 kg of cocaine , 14 . 5 kg of the drug was intercepted from Diego . The NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport , Ahmadu Garba, said the arrest took place during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight. He said , “Two Brazilians , a male and a female , have been arrested with cocaine . The suspects travelled from Sao Paulo , Brazil . During a search operation , a total of 23 . 865 kg of canned cocaine was found on them. “ This is the first arrest of Brazilians with cocaine at the airport . The cans were factory - sealed such that officers had to cut them open to discover the concealed drugs. This development did not come as a surprise to narcotic investigators because drug cartels are always adopting new strategies of smuggling drugs. The suspects said they were in Nigeria to visit tourist centres . ” The NDLEA Chairman , Col . Muhammad Abdallah (retd . ) , who described the arrest and seizure as impressive , called on nations to intensify the anti - narcotics campaign . “ This is a clarion call for nations to work harder and deepen collaboration in the fight against narcotics . Collective efforts are required towards making local and international borders impenetrable by drug traffickers and other criminals , ” he said . Copyright PUNCH . All rights reserved . This material , and other digital content on this website , may not be reproduced , published , broadcast , rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH . Contact : editor @ punchng . com