‘The cocaine was for my house rent’

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday said it has arrested a 29-year-old suspect, who claimed he trafficked cocaine because he desperately needed money to pay his house rent and off-set debts.

The suspect, Dominic Junior Igwe, 29, was arrested alongside one Okoye Ikechukwu Matthew, 34.

Igwe, a trader, said that he got involved in drug trafficking because he needed money.

His words: “I am a trader but I’m unable to pay my rent. My capital has dwindled over the years to the extent that I’m in debts. I was sponsored to Sao-Paulo, Brazil to bring cocaine. I regret my involvement.”

NDLEA spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency foiled attempt by the two suspected drug traffickers to smuggle 5.1kg of white powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine into the country.

“The drugs were intercepted at Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu during the inward screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight. The drugs were concealed inside hand bags and document folders. Two arrests have been made in connection with the seizure,” said Ofoyeju.

The NDLEA Commander at the Enugu Airport, Nsikak-Abasi Udoh gave Matthew passport number as A04483481 and Igwe’s passport number A02375991.

Nsikak-Abasi said: “Matthew was arrested with 1.500kg of cocaine hidden inside hand bags, while Igwe was found in possession of 3.600kg of cocaine concealed inside three folders. The total weight of the seized drugs is 5.1kg.”

Matthew said: “I work as a security guard in South Africa. It was my friend in Nigeria that requested for the drug. My role was to bring it and he will reward me. It happened that I was arrested by NDLEA. I feel bad and pray that I will soon be out of this problem.”

 Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade has directed the Enugu Airport Command to tighten security checks at the Airport.

He said: “This arrest and seizure is a welcome development, because we must eradicate illicit drugs from our country. I want the commander to intensify security checks and ensure the interception of narcotics at the Enugu Airport.”