A 31-year old suspected drug trafficker bolted through a glass door at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, to evade arrest after he was caught with banned narcotics.

Michael Nwobodo, a technician, ‎was found with 81 pellets of hard drugs that tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 1.350 kilogramme, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said in a statement Tuesday.‎

‎”He concealed 81 wraps of cocaine in Parker Whisky packs along with boxes of chocolates inside a duty free bag,” the NDLEA said in the statement signed by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its Spokesperson.

“The seizure was made during screening of passengers on an Emirates airline flight from Dubai.”

Hamisu Lawan, NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, said the suspect was taken to the hospital for further medical test on Tuesday.

“Though the suspect was treated for the injuries he sustained while attempting to escape on Monday, we had to take him for medical examination again,” Mr. Lawan said.

“This is to ensure that he is strong and medically fit to undergo trial. Investigation has commenced into the case.”

The suspect told investigators that he ran away because he was afraid of arrest.

“I am not under the influence of drugs,” Mr. Nwobodo, who hails from Enugu State, said.

“I was only scared of arrest. I live and work in Dubai. I came to Nigeria for my father’s burial but decided to bring the drugs because I needed money for the burial rite.

“When the drug was discovered, I felt so disappointed and confused. I was ashamed of myself and never wanted to be associated with drug trafficking that was why I had to run.”

Muhammad Abdallah‎, the NDLEA Chairman, assured stakeholders that no criminal will escape justice.

“The agency will continue to work very hard in ensuring that drug traffickers are arrested and prosecuted,” said Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel.

“As we advance the frontiers of the war against drug cartels, we are prepared to adopt new and sophisticated strategies in winning this important fight.

“I am pleased with this arrest and I thank the officers and members of the airport community for their support.”

The suspect will be charged to court soon, the NDLEA said.