*Airline promises to cooperate with UK authorities
TWO of the crew members of Arik Air on a flight from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos to London on Monday have been arrested at the Heathrow Airport with substance suspected to be cocaine.
Eight out of the 10 crew members that travelled with the flight have been cleared while Temitayo Olubunmi Daramola, found in possession of 6kg of cocaine and Delita Abibimgbi, found with 60 packets of cigarettes, are still being held in London.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, has ordered a full scale investigation into what a source described as “an international embarrassment”.
Said Giade on Tuesday: “We have received report of the arrest and I have ordered a full scale investigation of the incident. Anyone found wanting shall be brought to book as no effort shall be spared in protecting the image of our country”.
Also, a statement by Arik spokesman, Adebanji Ola, said the airline would cooperate with British authorities and all other concerned agencies in their investigations.
The statement reads: “The attention of the management of Arik Air has been drawn to the detention in UK of two of its cabin crew members in connection with alleged possession of items suspected to be banned substances.
“Arik Air is co-operating fully with the UK authorities and all other concerned agencies in their investigations.
“Arik Air remains committed 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. It 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”.
