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.
(Premium Times)
About Author
Discover more from BillionBill
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.