The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has again
stepped-up airport screening with the interception of wraps of white powdery
substance that tested positive for cocaine hidden in packs of Irish whiskey and
wooden frames.
Both consignments of cocaine imported from Brazil were detected
by narcotic officials at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA),
Lagos. Two persons had been arrested in respect of the seizures.
The total
weight of the cocaine is 6.64kg with an estimated street value of fifty-nine
million naira.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that the
Agency had intensified surveillance and search operations at all exit and entry
points.
According to Giade, “in preparation for the end of year the Agency has
intensified surveillance and search operations. This is geared towards ensuring
that no consignment of drug goes undetected. Adequate preparation has been made
to prevent drug trafficking and ultimately enhance security of life and
property”.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba gave the names
of the suspects as Okwuma Sunday Michael; 31 year old was found in possession
of 3.400kg of cocaine hidden inside wooden frames and Nwajagu Chidiebere James,
30 years old was found with 3.240kg of cocaine hidden inside packs of Irish
whiskey.
“Okwuma Sunday took off from Guarulhos International Airport São
Paulo, Brazil in a South African Airways flight through Johannesburg to Lagos.
Nwajagu Chidiebere also left Brazil in an Emirates flight through United Arab
Emirates (UAE) to Lagos. Both suspects will soon be charged to court” Garba
stated.
Okwuma Sunday told investigators that he was given the drugs by a Nigerian
who is like a father to him in Brazil. “I live in São Paulo with my wife and
child. I work in a supermarket but my salary is not sufficient to take care of
my family. The man that gave me the drug is like a father to me. He used to
assist me financially whenever I needed help. When I told him I was home sick
because for two years I have not visited Nigeria and he promised to help me. He
was the one that bought my ticket and gave me 3,000 dollars. I was very happy
for the gesture. He also gave me a bag containing children clothes and wooden
frames to take to Nigeria. When I got to Lagos, NDLEA officers opened the bag
and found cocaine” he stated.
Nwajagu Chidiebere said that he was told to bring a bag to Nigeria
and be settled financially. In his words, “I was in my village in Anambra doing
menial jobs to sustain myself. I came to Lagos on a short visit when I met an
old friend. He was very nice to me because he used to give me money, buy me
drinks and food. He told me to bring a bag from Brazil and that he will settle
me financially to start my own business. That was how I travelled out of Nigeria.
On arrival, the bag was searched and cocaine was found inside packs of Irish
whiskey. I never knew I will end up this way”.
No comments:
Post a Comment