BEVERLY HILLS, August 26, (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Wednesday said its officials have invited and are interrogating the entire crew of an Arik Air flight W3101 that left Lagos for London Heathrow Airport following the arrest of a crew member in London for drug smuggling.
A statement by NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the entire crew including some support staff that worked on the flight before it departed Lagos are currently before narcotic investigators at the Ikoyi Headquarters of the NDLEA.
“They include two pilots and members of the cabin crew comprising an Australian and a South African. The invitation, which was made by the Agency, was swiftly complied with by the management of Arik Air.
“The crew members were conveyed to the NDLEA office in an official bus belonging to Arik Air,” the statement said.
The NDLEA further explained that the action was part of ongoing investigations into their level of involvement in the smuggling of 20kg of cocaine found on Chika Udensi, one of its stewards, by authorities in London prompting his arrest.
“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 statement said.
Arik had earlier in a statement on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of Udensi for being in possession of substances suspected to be cocaine with a street value of around $500, 000.
The statement by Arik’s spokesman, Mr. Adebanji Ola, said, “A member of Arik Air cabin crew was on Monday night arrested at the Heathrow Airport, London, by the UK Border Force in connection with alleged possession of item suspected to be a banned substance.
“The airline is presently carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance.
“Arik Air will also be cooperating fully with the UK authorities and other appropriate agencies in their investigations.
“The airline again reaffirms its commitment to the fight against drug and illicit substances trafficking and will not tolerate the use of any of its aircraft or crew for the courier of banned items and substances.
“Arik Air carries out very stringent checks on all members of staff and its travelling guests ahead of all flights. The airline will continue to focus its attention on measures to prevent the possibility of any future similar incidents.
“Arik Air is a responsible Nigerian company, always seeking to maintain and uphold the integrity and proud reputation of the nation.”
