Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have launched an investigation into the case of the Arik Air cabin crew member, Chika Egwu Udensi, who was caught on the night of Monday, August 24, 2015 by the United Kingdom Border Force with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine with a street value of N105 million (£350,000).
The suspect was apprehended at the London Heathrow Airport shortly after an Arik Air flight W3101 arrived the UK from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
The NDLEA agents stormed the headquarters of Arik Air in Ikeja Lagos State n the night of Tuesday, August 25, 2015 following Udensi’s arrest.
According to Punch, the NDLEA agents were said to have searched Udensi’s latest Range Rover parked on the airline’s premises.
Meanwhile, the Arik Air confirmed Udensi’s arrest via a statement by its spokesman, Adebanji Ola.
Ola disclosed that the company has begun a probe to decipher how the contraband substance made its way into Udensi’s possession.
The statement read, “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.”
