The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it saved
20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling
drugs out of Nigeria.
20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling
drugs out of Nigeria.
In a statement Thursday, the agency said since January 2014,
19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting
to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics.
19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting
to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics.
“Sixteen of the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala
Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian
were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu,” said Ahmadu Giade,
NDLEA’s Chairman.
Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian
were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu,” said Ahmadu Giade,
NDLEA’s Chairman.
“Their final destinations are Malaysia, China and Thailand
where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”
where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”
On Tuesday, four Nigerians were among eight people executed
by Indonesian authorities over drug-related offences.
by Indonesian authorities over drug-related offences.
While commiserating with the deceased families, the NDLEA
urged relevant authorities to intensify anti-drug abuse campaign efforts.
urged relevant authorities to intensify anti-drug abuse campaign efforts.
“I sincerely sympathise with the families of the executed
drug convicts,” Mr. Giade said.
drug convicts,” Mr. Giade said.
“This is a moment of sober reflection on the illicit
activities of drug trafficking syndicates. This brings to the fore the bigger
picture of those in foreign prisons, those arrested here and others preparing
to smuggle drugs.
activities of drug trafficking syndicates. This brings to the fore the bigger
picture of those in foreign prisons, those arrested here and others preparing
to smuggle drugs.
“It is a wake-up call for stakeholders to step up their
counter-narcotics efforts. Apart from drug trafficking being a criminal act,
narcotic smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and safety.”
counter-narcotics efforts. Apart from drug trafficking being a criminal act,
narcotic smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and safety.”
‘Highest criminal convictions’
According to Mr. Giade, the NDLEA has one of the highest
criminal convictions in the country, winning 2,054 cases against alleged drug
offenders.
criminal convictions in the country, winning 2,054 cases against alleged drug
offenders.
“As we work very hard to reduce cases of illicit drug
trafficking, it is imperative for individuals and groups to take steps aimed at
preventing their loved ones from getting involved in drug abuse and
trafficking,” Mr. Giade said.
trafficking, it is imperative for individuals and groups to take steps aimed at
preventing their loved ones from getting involved in drug abuse and
trafficking,” Mr. Giade said.
The breakdown of the drugs nabbed from the 20 suspected
smugglers showed that 83.08kg was seized at the Lagos airport while 23.834kg
was intercepted at the Enugu airport.
smugglers showed that 83.08kg was seized at the Lagos airport while 23.834kg
was intercepted at the Enugu airport.
The seized drugs included 89.024kg of cannabis, 9.375kg of
methamphetamine, 3.450kg of amphetamine, 2.89kg of heroin and 2.175kg of
cocaine.
methamphetamine, 3.450kg of amphetamine, 2.89kg of heroin and 2.175kg of
cocaine.
The only Ghanaian among the suspects, Musa Idrisa, also
known as Charles Udenehi, was going to Bangkok, Thailand, with 450 grams of
cocaine he had ingested.
known as Charles Udenehi, was going to Bangkok, Thailand, with 450 grams of
cocaine he had ingested.
Three females were also among those apprehended.
They include Chidinma Okafor, a professional dancer, caught
with 3.450kg of amphetamine hidden in a pair of jeans trousers while attempting
to board a flight to Malaysia; Eze Maureen caught with 6.200kg of cannabis on
her way to China; and Alade Muyinotu found with 1.725kg of cocaine and 1.715kg
of heroin on her way to China.
with 3.450kg of amphetamine hidden in a pair of jeans trousers while attempting
to board a flight to Malaysia; Eze Maureen caught with 6.200kg of cannabis on
her way to China; and Alade Muyinotu found with 1.725kg of cocaine and 1.715kg
of heroin on her way to China.
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