Arik crew member held in Britain with 20kg of cocaine

The UK Border Force yesterday arrested Chika Egwu Udensi, a cabin crew member of Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Arik for being in possession of substance suspected to be cocaine. The suspect was said to be in possession of about 20 kg of cocaine. The airline however told New Telegraph that it was carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance.
This has cast a dark shadow on Nigerian airline crew following their incessant arrests, particularly by UK authorities. A top official of Nigeria Immigration Service, who spoke to New Telegraph on condition of anonymity, said it has become very difficult to detect them here in Nigeria because of the privileges they enjoy, coupled with what he described as insider assistants, who help them with the banned substance to the aircraft.
The source said it was a worrying sign not only for the airlines but to security at the nation’s airports. Spokesman for Arik Air, Mr. Banji Ola, in a statement yesterday, confirmed the arrest of the cabin crew whose name was not given as at the time of going to press. Ola said, “A member of Arik Air cabin crew was on Monday night arrested at Heathrow Airport London by the UK Border Force in connection with alleged possession of items suspected to be banned substances”.
He disclosed that the airline was presently carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance, adding that the airline would also be cooperating fully with the UK authorities and other appropriate agencies in their investigations. His words: “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”.
He reiterated that the carrier carries out very stringent checks on all members of staff and its travelling guests ahead of all flights, noting that 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”, he added.

SOURCE:http://newtelegraphonline.com/uk-arrests-arik-staff-with-20kg-cocaine-in-london/