FAAN clarifies attempted drug trafficking scandal at Lagos airport
A video has been circulating on social media showing a passenger allegedly slapping a supposed staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
The passenger is said to have accused the individual of attempting to use him to traffic drugs.
The shocking incident occurred on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at approximately 1430 hrs at gate 2 boarding gate at ITZ2 in the Murtala Muhammed International Airport
In a statement signed by Obiageli Orah (Mrs), Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection, FAAN has swiftly responded, clarifying that the person seen in the video is not a staff member of FAAN but is, in fact, an employee of Pathfinder company.
FAAN explained that the individual, identified as a staff member of Pathfinder, allegedly approached a passenger, seeking assistance to convey a parcel through the flight.
Upon becoming suspicious, the passenger raised an alarm, claiming he was being set up for drug trafficking.
Airport security promptly intervened, apprehending the Pathfinder employee for questioning.
The investigation is being conducted by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.
The involved passenger has already departed on Ibom Air to Accra, while the questionable medication, labeled “NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX,” has been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
Emphasising its commitment to a drug-free society, FAAN reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards drug peddling through airports.
It added that the incident highlights the challenges authorities face in maintaining the integrity and security of air travel, with ongoing efforts to prevent illicit activities within airport premises.
The statement: “The attention of the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has been drawn to a video circulating on social media where a supposed staff of the Authority was knelt down and was being slapped by a passenger for trying to use him to traffic drugs.
“It has been identified that the incident took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at about 1430hrs at gate 2 boarding gate at ITZ2.
“The Authority wishes to set the records straight by stating that the officer being manhandled in the video is not a staff of FAAN .
“He has been identified as a member of the staff of the Pathfinder company.
“The employee was said to have approached a passenger to help him convey a parcel through the flight.
“When the passenger became skeptical, he raised an alarm, alleging that he was being set up for drug trafficking.
“The employee was immediately arrested for questioning by the Crime Investigation and Intelligence Unit of the Aviation Security Services.
“The passenger involved has since departed on Ibom Air to Accra while the medication with the name ‘NEW AGE GLUCOSAMINE CHONDROITIN SULFATE COMPLEX ‘ has been taken to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) for further investigation.
“FAAN is dedicated to a drug-free society and has zero tolerance to drug peddling through her airports.
“FAAN…Committed to her core values…Safety! Security!! Comfort!!!”
Obiageli Orah ( Mrs), Director, Public Affairs & Consumer Protection.
