Baron hides N4.6bn drugs inside noodles, cereals

The Special Enforcement Team (SET) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered drugs valued at over N4.6 billion hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil. 

The Head, Media and Publicity of NDLEA n, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said one Tochukwu Ubah (42), described as a drug baron, arrested at the weekend, was believed to be coordinating a large volume of methamphetamine and ephedrine distribution in the country. “He was apprehended after intense undercover operations in connection with illegal exportation of 576kgs of narcotics to Durban, South Africa through Apapa Port.
The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil,” Ofoyeju said. He added that preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect was also known as Etochukwu Weubah and Eto Ubah.
The NDLEA spokeman said the suspect had a company, Visoch Resources Limited, which he used as a cover for his clandestine drug business. He said: “Although surveillance report indicated that Ubah is a major player in drug smuggling. He hides under the cover of floor tile business. Apart from the seized drugs, other items in the consignment include maize, vegetables, palm oil, malt drinks, seasoning, noodles and cereals.”
According to SET Commander, Mr Sunday Zirangey, Ubah was arrested at the old local wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport upon arrival from Enugu. He said: “His arrest took place simultaneously with the interception of the consignment of drugs to South Africa. He was immediately taken to the port to witness the search operations.
The methamphetamine was hidden inside packs of Golden More Cereals and Indomie noodles, while the ephedrine was concealed among gallons of palm oil.” The NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, described the arrest as another mile stone achievement in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics. Giade also attributed the success of the operation to diligent undercover operations. He said:
“This operation has again validated the importance of intelligence gathering and management in drug control. The arrest of Ubah is a product of painstaking surveillance and another milestone success in the fight against drugs. This seizure is a confirmation that criminal investments will always go down the drain.”