Nigerian pilot tests positive to marijuana

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has conducted a random alcohol and drug tests on licensed aviation personnel in the industry.

However, out of the 87 personnel tested, only one crew member tested positive to a psychoactive substance, Tetrahydro – Cannabinol (marijuana) and was immediately suspended by the authority from carrying out further flight operations.

Further investigations were later carried out to ascertain the quantity of the substance in the urine sample of the crew member.

Spokesman for NCAA, Sam Adurogboye in a statement said the exercise was in compliance to a directive from the Director General, Capt. Muhtar Usman.
It was duly communicated in an Advisory Circular NCAA – AMS – 004 titled: “Drugs and Alcohol Policy for Air Operators Certificate holders, Air Navigation Service Providers and other aviation stakeholders” issued to the aviation industry on July 1, 2016 by the authority.
A total of 87 of personnel from two airlines, Air Peace, Medview and Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) were tested.
They were randomly tested as they were about to embark on flight operations and air traffic control duties.
There were 29 pilots and 10 cabin crew from Air Peace Ltd, while 42 pilots and nine cabin crew were from Medview Airlines.

Telegraph