The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have arrested a man
smuggling 35.115 kilogramme of Cannabis sativa hidden inside sausage rolls to
China.
smuggling 35.115 kilogramme of Cannabis sativa hidden inside sausage rolls to
China.
Friday Ogbonna, 33, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed
International Airport, Lagos, during a screening of passengers on their way to
China, the anti-narcotics agency said in a statement today.
International Airport, Lagos, during a screening of passengers on their way to
China, the anti-narcotics agency said in a statement today.
In addition to Mr. Ogbonna, the agency also arrested David
Famolu, 34, and Joy Osamunyi, 26, on their way to Dubai with 4kg and 19.640kg
of cannabis respectively.
Famolu, 34, and Joy Osamunyi, 26, on their way to Dubai with 4kg and 19.640kg
of cannabis respectively.
Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman, said the arrests were made
following intelligence reports and intense covert operations by the agency.
following intelligence reports and intense covert operations by the agency.
“It is pertinent to alert members of the public of fresh
plot by drug barons to smuggle cannabis to countries with capital punishment
for drug trafficking because of the high profit involved,” said Mr. Giade.
plot by drug barons to smuggle cannabis to countries with capital punishment
for drug trafficking because of the high profit involved,” said Mr. Giade.
“Drug barons are wicked and callous. They are only
interested in making money even at the risk of others sacrificing their
precious lives.”
interested in making money even at the risk of others sacrificing their
precious lives.”
The Suspects
According to the agency, Mr. Ogbonna told investigators that
he was given N100, 000 to smuggle the drugs to China.
he was given N100, 000 to smuggle the drugs to China.
“My friend in China gave me N100, 000 to take a bag to
China. The last time I travelled to China, he assisted me,” said Mr. Ogbonna, a
trader at the Onitsha main market.
China. The last time I travelled to China, he assisted me,” said Mr. Ogbonna, a
trader at the Onitsha main market.
“When he gave me the money to take the bag containing gala
to China, I thought he was doing me a favour I never knew he was digging my
grave. After my arrest, I feel bad and regret my action. I am married with a
child.”
to China, I thought he was doing me a favour I never knew he was digging my
grave. After my arrest, I feel bad and regret my action. I am married with a
child.”
Mr. Famolu, a laptop dealer in Lagos, said he was introduced
into the smuggling business by a friend.
into the smuggling business by a friend.
“I bought the cannabis myself for N44, 000. I was introduced
into drug trafficking by a friend who assisted me with my travel documents,”
Mr. Famolu said.
into drug trafficking by a friend who assisted me with my travel documents,”
Mr. Famolu said.
“He told me that if I can bring 4kg of cannabis to Dubai
that he will pay me half a million naira. That was what encouraged me to take
the risk. I blame myself because I should have listened to my conscience.”
that he will pay me half a million naira. That was what encouraged me to take
the risk. I blame myself because I should have listened to my conscience.”
Ms. Osamunyi told investigators that she was unaware her
bags contained illegal drugs.
bags contained illegal drugs.
“I lost my parents
and I sell shoes and female clothes and bags to earn a living,” said Ms.
Osamunyi, who hails from Benin, Edo State.
and I sell shoes and female clothes and bags to earn a living,” said Ms.
Osamunyi, who hails from Benin, Edo State.
“My friend in Dubai told me that somebody will give me
foodstuff to take to him. That was how I collected the bags from the person she
sent to me.
foodstuff to take to him. That was how I collected the bags from the person she
sent to me.
“I still find it difficult (to believe) that this will
happen to me but I have learnt a bitter and painful lesson in my life.”
happen to me but I have learnt a bitter and painful lesson in my life.”
Mr. Giade said that the NDLEA had foiled several attempts by
drug barons to smuggle cannabis in foodstuff outside the country.
drug barons to smuggle cannabis in foodstuff outside the country.
The suspects will soon be charged to court, according to the
agency.
agency.
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