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| Modinat |
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| Chizoba |
A 44-year-old woman, who was arrested for
alleged drug trafficking, said that she decided to traffic drugs because she
needed to undergo a surgery operation which would cost her 5000 dollars,
equivalent of over N9000.
Abdulrasaq Modinat Alake, a trader, said
that it was never her intention to traffic drugs. She said that her health
challenges forced her into the crime.
Alake said: “I was married but later
separated. I’m the only person taking care of myself. My business was booming
before I had a health challenge. I used to buy clothes from India and Dubai to supply
in Lagos since 2011. My problem started when my doctor said that I needed to
undergo a surgical operation which will cost 5000 dollars.
“Before now, I have spent all my
money on medical bills in many hospitals. That was how I met a man in India
during my last visit who promised to pay for my medical expenses. He also told
me to take a bag of cocaine to India. It was all about regaining my health back
but I never knew it will end up this way.”
Alake was arrested by operative of
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to the Agency’s spokesman,
Mitchel Ofoyeju, Alake and another female, Mbonu Chizoba, also arrested for
trafficking suspected drug, are currently assisting narcotic investigators with
relevant facts relating to the exportation of 4.450kg of cocaine to India and
7kg of cannabis to China.
Ofoyeju said that both suspects were
apprehended by NDLEA at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)
Lagos.
He further said: “Some of the
reasons adduced for their involvement in drug trafficking includes ill-health,
lack of support from husband as well as wrong decision making.”
NDLEA commander at the airport Mr.
Ahmadu Garba,
said Mbonu was a second offender as
she was first apprehended in 2013 for attempting to export a luggage containing
narcotics.
Mbonu, who is a clearing agent with
a pending drug case at the Federal High Court Ikoyi, said that she made a wrong
decision and mistake in not checking the bag thoroughly.
She added: “I accept blame for not
checking the bag carefully when a client gave it to me. My job is very risky
because we assist people in sending cargoes. I feel bad that this is happening
to me when the first case is still on-going.”
Mbonu is a 2008 graduate of Business
Administration and married with two children.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade
said that special anti-drug enlightenment programmes shall be organised for
females because of their key role in family and societal development. He also
assured that the suspects shall be diligently prosecuted.
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