Arik: I was expecting N1.2m from drug pushing, says accomplice

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended an Arik Air crew member, Chibuzor Oliver Ikechukwu over his alleged role in the 20 kilogramme of cocaine seizure by the United Kingdom Border Force at Heathrow Airport.

Ikechukwu, 35, who works as a catering loader was found to have subverted airport security by concealing cocaine in catering supplies.

 Preliminary investigation revealed that both Ikechukwu and Chika had been infiltrated by a suspected drug cartel.

 He told narcotic investigators that he was invited into the illicit drug deal by his colleague Chika Egwu Udensi, a senior member of the Arik Air cabin crew who was arrested in London on flight W3101.

“It was Chika that introduced me into the drug deal. Whenever Chika gives me the drug, I will hide it in catering supplies. Chika knows where to collect the drug inside the flight. They pay me N400,000 per bag. I was expecting N1.2 million proceed for the three bags that I smuggled into the aircraft, Oliver said.

Ikechukwu, who hails from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia State, is a graduate of Business Administration and he was employed by Arik Air in 2009.

 The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade has directed that henceforth, all airport workers must be extensively screened.

“The agency has taken, drastic measures to avert infiltration of airport workers by criminal syndicate. Airline officials and airport workers shall be subjected to comprehensive search. We will resist any act capable of undermining security at all entry and exit points,” Giade said.

 The NDLEA chief stressed that all catering trucks, luggage trucks, aviation fuel tankers, machines and personnel, whose duty directly or indirectly relates to the tarmac and flight operations shall be subjected to full screening.

As part of investigation, the rented apartment of Chika at Pastor Ojediran Street Ejigbo, Lagos, was searched by operatives of the NDLEA.

 He lives there with his mother and siblings while his wife and children are based in Canada.

The latest Range Rover car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had also been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.

The 20kg of cocaine found on Chika in London was concealed within the construction of laptop bags. The quantity and estimated street value of the cocaine is over N100 million.

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