A member of Arik Air cabin crew (Nigerian) found to be in possession of substance believed to be hard drug was arrested by the United Kingdom Border Force on Monday night at Heathrow Airport London.
Reports indicated yesterday that an Arik Air cabin crew in London had been arrested but the UK authorities declined to disclose his name.
Arik Air spokesman, Banji Ola, in a statement, confirmed the arrest on Monday but also, refused to disclose the identity of the person.
He, however, said the airline would collaborate with the UK authorities in their investigations of how the crew member was able to breach security and laid down working ethics to smuggle the banned substance into the UK.
“The airline is presently carrying out its private investigation to determine how the cabin crew member came about the suspected banned substance,” Ola stated. Arik Air carries out very stringent checks on all members of staff and its travelling guests ahead of all flights. The airline will not stop to focus its attention on measures to prevent the possibility of future occurrence.
“Arik Air will also be cooperating fully with the UK authorities and other appropriate agencies in their investigations,” he also stated.
As stated by Ola, the airline was committed to the fight against drug and illicit substances trafficking and would not tolerate the use of any of its aircraft or crew as the courier of banned items and substances.
“Arik Air is a responsible Nigerian company always seeking to maintain and uphold the integrity and proud reputation of the nation,” he also stated.