The National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency have arrested a man 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
Wednesday.
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.
Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman, said
the arrests were made 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.
“Drug barons are wicked and callous.
They are only 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.
“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.
“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.”
Mr. Famolu, a laptop dealer in
Lagos, said he was introduced 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.
“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.”
Ms. Osamunyi told investigators that
she was unaware her 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.
“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.
“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.”
Mr. Giade said that the NDLEA had
foiled several attempts by drug barons to smuggle cannabis in foodstuff outside
the country.
While calling on people to resist
the antics of drug barons, the NDLEA boss promised to adopt measures aimed at
increasing the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts. Such measures include
timely detection of drugs and exposure of modes of operation by drug
syndicates.
The suspects will soon be charged to
court, according to the agency.
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