A Pakistani, yesterday, was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for importing
25.400kg of high heroin valued at N220 million.
The convict, Iftikhar Muhammad Arslan was sentenced by Justice C. J.
Aneke of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.
The convict was charged with a one count charge of unlawful importation
of 25.400kg of heroin contrary to and punishable under section 11(a) of the National
Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30, laws of the Federation of
Nigeria 2004.
Arslan reportedly told NDLEA investigators: “I’m a student of Punjab College
and in Nigeria as a tourist because my friend told me that Victoria Island and
Ikoyi are beautiful tourist centres. Unfortunately, when I arrived Lagos
Airport, the heroin was found in my luggage. This is my first time of coming to
Nigeria and I had intended to spend a week or two.”
The NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the convict claimed to be
a medical student.
Ofoyeju added: “He initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea
midway in the trial. Iftikhar also pleaded for leniency. His argument was
opposed by NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Owens Fingere who told the court that the
value of the drugs and the fact of the case be considered in sentencing him.”
Justice Aneke said that heroin is a dangerous drug that would have caused
serious harm to the country. He added that the convict is a first time offender
who is remorseful over his action.
Aneke said that the court will show some leniency considering the fact
that he is a student who deserves a second chance to correct his mistakes. He
therefore sentenced Arslan to 18 months imprisonment.
“Arslan was arrested by officials of the NDLEA at the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport (MMA), Lagos on April 5, 2014 at age 19 during the inward
screening of passengers on Qatar Airways flight on his way from Doha, Qatar,”
said Ofoyeju.
Ofoyeju continued: “The brownish substance that tested positive for
heroin was packed in 25 parcels hidden in a smaller bag inside his luggage.”
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