NDLEA investigates MD over N130m drug

Anyawu

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has started quizzing two men over an alleged unlawful possession, dealing and conspiracy to divert powdery substance suspected to be Ephedrine valued at 550,000 dollars, equivalent to N130 million.

According to NDLEA, spokesman, Mr. Mitchel Ofoyeju: “The agency is investigating the activities of the managing director of Richy Gold, Jude Onwusonye Ejike and a freight forwarder, Bernard Amanze Anyanwu over unlawful possession, dealing and conspiracy to divert powdery substance suspected to be Ephedrine contrary to and punishable under the NDLEA Act CAP N30 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

 

Ejike

It was gathered that the illegal deal was exposed when men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Lagos Command, intercepted Anyanwu, 49, with the drug at Ijesha along Oshodi-Apapa Express Road.

While being quizzed by police, Anyawu said that the 25kg drum of ephedrine was sent to him by one Hipo Njoku a friend of his that lives in India. He was later transferred to the NDLEA for further action.

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade warned that the import license of Richy Gold International Limited will be withdrawn over alleged diversion of ephedrine, a precursor chemicals used for the production of narcotic drugs.

Ofoyeju noted: “Preliminary investigation by the NDLEA revealed that a drum containing 25kg of ephedrine was diverted from the warehouse of Richy Gold International. The company imported ephedrine in excess of their requirement as they only used 25kg in a year. It was also discovered that the management of Richy Gold has failed to justify why they requested for 250kg when their annual production capacity is 25kg. The estimated street value of the 250kg ephedrine is 550,000 dollars.”

The NDLEA Joint Task Force led by the commander, Olumuyiwa Adeniyi carried out a follow-up operation at the premises of Richy Gold at Amuwo Odofin Industrial Estate, Oshodi-Apapa Express Road, Lagos.

Adeniyi said: “During search, 9 blue drums containing ephedrine which are similar to the one found with Anyanwu were discovered. The managing director of Richy Gold was invited to witness the search operations and they were taken to the office for further investigation activities.”

Stating his own side of the story, Anyawu said: “I used to clear a variety of goods including pharmaceuticals and chemicals. I was arrested by Police with a blue drum containing ephedrine which I cleared for Richy Gold International.”

Ejike, 40 said that the recovered ephedrine belongs to him, adding: “I imported 250kg of ephedrine in 2013 legally with import permit from National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Bernard has been my customs licensed agent for the past 10 years. When NDLEA raided my company premises, I was surprised that one drum of 25kg ephedrine was missing. It is the store keeper that can explain what happened. ”

According to Ofoyeju, chemical diversion was fast becoming a concern to authorities because without these precursor chemicals, clandestine laboratories that produce methamphetamine and related psychotropic drugs would be out of business. He said that the NDLEA had so far discovered seven methamphetamine production laboratories in the country.

Giade said: “The Agency is determined to prosecute this case to a logical conclusion. Ephedrine is one of the major precursor chemicals used in the production of psychotropic drugs. The Agency will not hesitate to withdraw the import license of Richy Gold and apply appropriate sanctions. It is important to address this issue from the root.”