The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Cocaine

  • NDLEA arrests woman feigning pregnancy with wraps of cocaine

    NDLEA arrests woman feigning pregnancy with wraps of cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday arrested a woman at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, who faked pregnancy with wraps of substances suspected to be cocaine.

    This is contained in a statement issued and signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju.

    The statement alleged that the 41 year old mother of three, Dorothy Onyekas, faked her pregnancy with 86 pellets of white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

    “The drug was intercepted during the inward screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

    “The substance has a total weight of 1.720 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of N20.6 million,’’ the statement said.

    The statement quoted the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, as saying that the wraps of cocaine would have been easily mistaken for pregnancy.

    “It was discovered that the suspect kept 86 wraps of cocaine inside a waist bag which was tied to her stomach.

    `Unfortunately, the drug was detected by NDLEA officers on her arrival from Dubai. The drug was immediately packed and weighed in her presence.

    “It had a gross weight of 1.720 kilogrammes,’’ Ahmadu stated.

    The statement also quoted the chairman of the agency, Mr Muhammad Abdallah, as describing the recent drug seizures at this airport a welcome development that was capable of forcing drug cartels to a retreat.

    “In the past few days, the NDLEA has recorded numerous arrests and drug seizures at the Lagos airport.

    “The drug cartels have also suffered huge losses from these operations. This particular suspect feigned pregnancy with wraps of cocaine but she was caught by vigilant narcotic agents.

    “Some of the suspects recently apprehended concealed drugs in their socks and luggage while others ingested wraps of cocaine in disregard of the danger to their health.

    “In spite of their craftiness, we are daily stopping them from perpetrating their criminal act and forcing them to a retreat.

    “She will be charged to court soon,’’ Abdallah said.

  • NDLEA recovers 193 wraps of cocaine in passengers’ socks

    NDLEA recovers 193 wraps of cocaine in passengers’ socks

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have discovered one hundred and ninety-three (193) wraps of cocaine inside passenger sucks.

    The drug, which tested positive for cocaine with a total weight of 3.4kgs was detected during routine screening of passengers on an Emirates flight from Dubai. The suspect who is a commercial bus driver in Lagos has also been arrested.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd,) has called for stringent monitoring of Dubai-Lagos route by officers.

    According to Abdallah, “This is an interesting arrest and I commend the officers for the discovery. Dubai-Lagos route is gradually gaining notoriety and we are monitoring it closely. Let me assure members of the public that the NDLEA is working very hard in preventing illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse in the country.”

    NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmadu Garba gave the name of the suspect as Maduewesi Ugochukwu Samuel. “During screening of passengers at the arrival hall, officers noticed that he had some items attached to his legs.

    NDLEA co“It was cleverly done, but not good enough to escape our notice. When his socks was pulled down, suspected wraps of narcotics found to be cocaine fell down on the floor. He was immediately arrested and taken for further investigation,” Ahmadu stated.

    The suspect who is a commercial bus driver told narcotic investigators that he wanted to quit driving for supply of electrical appliances.

    “I am a commercial bus driver in Lagos. I am from Anambra State. My friend who lives outside the country introduced me into drug trafficking.

    “He promised to help me with capital to start my business, but after sponsoring my trip to Dubai, he told me to smuggle drugs to Nigeria.

    “I was instructed to conceal the drugs in my socks and that it will not be detected. They also offered to pay me the sum of N800,000 for safe delivery of the drug. I had wanted to start a supply business in electrical appliances but I am regretting my action because my wife is all alone while I am in NDLEA custody.

    “This is her first pregnancy and she needs my attention. This is my greatest concern,” Samuel stated.

    He completed his secondary education in 1998 at Onitsha before coming to Lagos in search of greener pastures.

    The suspect will be charged to court soon.

     

  • NDLEA arrests suspected cocaine peddlers in IDPs’ camp

    NDLEA arrests suspected cocaine peddlers in IDPs’ camp

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Borno Command, said it has arrested two men for allegedly peddling cocaine at the Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs’) camp in Dikwa, Borno State.

    The Commander of the Borno Command, Mr. Ona Ogilegwu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri yesterday that one of the suspects, a 48-year-old man, was arrested on February 27 in the camp.

    He said other illicit substances, including cannabis sativa, rophenol, and diazepam, were found on him.

    Ogilegwu said: “The criminal disguised himself as an officer of the NDLEA in the IDPs camp, to sell the drugs.

    “After surveillance by men of the command, we decided to buy the hard drugs from him to confirm that he was selling them.

    “We apprehended him as he thought we were coming to buy in large quantity.”

    He said the command also arrested a 32-year-old man, who was also in possession of hard drugs in the IDPs’ camp.

    “I don’t know what is wrong with these people, but I will tell you that the level of drug intake among men and women in IDPs camps is beyond imagination.

    “We have received reports and we have sent our men to the 28 camps to stop nefarious activities,” said Ogilegwu.

  • Mother of three vomits cocaine at Abuja airport

    A 48-year-old mother of three children, Mrs Saidat Bola Hassan, presented a mild drama at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja when she allegedly vomited 15 wraps of white powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine.

    The incident took place at the central screening section of the departure hall during screening of passengers on an Egypt Airline flight to Jedda, Saudi Arabia en-route to Cairo. She was immediately apprehended by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) who discovered that she had ingested 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 904 grammes.

    NDLEA Abuja airport commander Mr Hamisu Lawan said that efforts were made to protect her from any harm resulting from drug ingestion. “As soon as we discovered that the suspected wraps she vomited tested positive for cocaine, we took measures to ensure her safety by preventing any harm that may result from drug ingestion. While under observation, she excreted sixty-five (65) similar wraps. In all, she ingested eighty (80) wraps of cocaine weighing 904 grammes; her case is under investigation.”

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Mohammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd), who expressed satisfaction with her arrest, said that her action negated every principle of good parenting. “This is gross ineptitude on the part of a mother saddled with the responsibility of nurturing her children into future leaders. I am glad that she did not die from drug ingestion and she is alive to face trial. Besides escaping the risk of swallowing cocaine, this arrest also saved her because drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia is punishable by death. She will soon be charged to court because the law must run its full course. I expect the general public to learn lessons from this case that drug trafficking leads to pain, ignominy and untimely death”.

    The NDLEA boss added that “my approach to drug control is both pragmatic and scientific. Every action taken must be based on best global principles while lessons learnt will influence our implementation strategies in our day to day operations. The Agency will continue to sensitise members of the public by presenting facts and figures of drug trafficking as well as the larger picture of its ruin and devastation”.

    Mrs. Saidat Bola Hassan, a native of Idiroko, Ogun State who resides in Lagos Island, claimed to be a business woman dealing in clothing materials. She said: “I am a business woman and I sell women clothes at Balogun market.“

  • Anambra: NDLEA raises alarm over influx of cocaine, heroin

    Anambra: NDLEA raises alarm over influx of cocaine, heroin

    The Anambra state commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Sule Momodu, has raised the alarm over the influx of hard drugs like, cocaine and heroin in the state.

    He gave the hint Wednesday at the Prof. Dora Akunyili women development centre in Awka, during the third Lady Onyido/NDLEA annual quiz award presentation.

    Momodu, expressed worry that despite efforts by the state governor, Willie Obiano, to reduce drug crime in the state, the two substances had continued to be on the rise.

    He said while cocaine and heroin were on the increase cannabis sativa, known as “Ganja” had decreased.

    The NDLEA boss, however appealed to Obiano, to fulfill his promise of five vehicles he made to the agency, adding that the vehicles would enable his men to fully cover the state in their operations.

    Furthermore he said the agency secured 30 convictions of drug offenders in the state last year.

    While commending the assistance of the state governor in the drug fight, Momodu implored the governor to commence the project of building a modern rehabilitation centre in the state.

    He also commended Chief Alex Onyido for instituting and funding the quiz competition in the state secondary schools for three years.

    In his address, the State commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, who represented Obiano, assured that the state government would do everything within the ambit of the law to reduce drug abuse in the state.

    She therefore, praised the NDLEA for the fight against drug offenders in the state.

    She said the quiz competition which centered on drug related subject matter would go a long way to dissuading the youths in the state in abusing drugs.

    Buberdorff Grammar School, Adazi Nnukwu , Anaocha Local Government Area of the state came first in the quiz competition, while Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha and Mater Amabilis  Secondary School , Umuoji came second and third.

  • Cocaine trafficking : NDLEA arraigns four

    Cocaine trafficking : NDLEA arraigns four

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Thursday arraigned four men at the Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly importing cocaine, a banned narcotic drug.

    Among them was Simon Omeluonye, who was caught with 7.785 kilogrammes of cocaine.

    He was arrested last August 22 during inward clearance of a South African Airways flight from Brazil via South Africa at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

    Also arraigned were Churchill Okwudili, Arinzechukwu Okpala, and Chukwemeka Nwoye, all for alleged cocaine trafficking.

    Okwudili was arrested last November 14 during inward clearance of Emirates Airlines flight from Brazil at the ‘E’ Arrival Hall of the MMIA.

    He allegedly imported 940 grammes of cocaine without lawful authority. Okwudili pleaded not guilty.

    NDLEA said Nwoye was arrested on October 8 during inward clearance of Qatar Airways flight from Dubai at the ‘E’ Hall of MMIA.

    He pleaded not guilty to importing 1.678 kilogrammes of cocaine.

    Okpala was arrested last November 17 during the inward clearance of Emirates Airlines passengers from Dubai.

    The prosecution said he unlawfully imported 2.720 kilogrammes of cocaine, but the defendant pleaded not guilty.

    The alleged offences, which contravene Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act 2004, attract a maximum penalty of life sentence but could be lesser based on the judge’s discretion.

    Justice Saliu Saidu granted the four bail in the following sums: Omeluonye, N20 million; Okpala, N12 million; Okwudili, N5 million; and Nwoye, N5 million, with two sureties each in like sum.

    One of the sureties must be their relative with a landed property in Lagos, the other a must be public servant not below Grade Level 14.

    Justice Saidu said the prosecution and the registrar must be satisfied with the sureties, who, along with the defendants, must deposit their international passports with the court.

    He adjourned till March 7, 9 and 16 for trial.

     

  • NDLEA finds N59m cocaine in whiskey packs

    NDLEA finds N59m cocaine in whiskey packs

    NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have foiled plans by two men to import N59 million worth of hard drugs hidden in Irish whiskey packs and wooden frames.

    The wraps of powdery substance, which tested positive to cocaine, were intercepted at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Ikeja, Lagos.

    The suspects are Michael Okwuma, 31, found with 3.400kg of cocaine hidden in wooden frames and James Nwajagu, caught with 3.240kg of cocaine in Irish whiskey packs.

    NDLEA Airport Commander Ahmadu Garba, in a statement narrated how the suspects were nabbed.

    “Okwuma took off from Guarulhos International Airport, São Paulo, Brazil in a South African Airways flight through Johannesburg to Lagos. Nwajagu also left Brazil in an Emirates flight through United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Lagos. Both suspects will soon be charged to court,” Garba said.

    Okwuma told investigators that he was given the drugs by a Nigerian who is like a father to him in Brazil.

    He said: “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. I told him I was home sick because for two years I have not visited Nigeria. He was the one that bought my ticket and gave me $3,000. 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.”

    Nwajagu said he was told to bring a bag to Nigeria and be settled financially.

    “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,” he said.

  • NDLEA arrests drug baron with cocaine

    NDLEA arrests drug baron with cocaine

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug baron, Chief Odugwe Joseph Azubuike over unlawful importation of 1.025kg of cocaine.

    Odugwe who is currently on bail over several drug charges brought against him by the agency was allegedly found with wraps of powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

    The arrest was made during inward screening of passengers on Emirates airline flight from Dubai.

    The wraps of cocaine were packed in duty free polythene inside his luggage.
    The suspected drug kingpin told investigators during interrogation that he had made a big mistake.

    Chief Odugwe had pleaded not guilty to previous charges when drugs were not found on him alleging that his enemies were behind his trial.

    NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Ahmadu Garba described Chief Azubuike’s arrest as a sign of what to expect in the future.

    “I am happy with this high profile arrest. It is a good way to start and sign of better days ahead. The suspect travelled to Dubai on 6th September and was arrested on 10th September on arrival at the Lagos airport,” Garba explained.

    He promised to make the airport difficult for drug traffickers.

    Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said Azubuike’s arrest is rewarding for the country’s fight against drugs. In his words, “the game is up for the suspect who has been charged to court for sponsoring several drug couriers.”

  • NDLEA intercepts cocaine in tins

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 7.576kg of white cocaine and 3.885kg of crack cocaine smuggled from Brazil.

    The total weight of the drug is 11.461kg with an estimated street value of N57 million.

    The agency also arrested five suspected traffickers in connection with the seized drugs. Unlike white cocaine, crack cocaine is not common in the country.

    NDLEA airport commander Hamza Umar said various methods are adopted to conceal drugs.

    Umar said: “One of the suspects Izuchukwu Simon Omeluonye was caught with both white and crack cocaine in tins weighing 7.785kg. The crack cocaine weighed 3.885kg while the white weighed 3.900kg. Kyrian Nonso Akubueze, 28, had 1.110kg by the side of his luggage while Onodyer Obidike, 40, ingested 11 wraps of cocaine weighing 0.485 grammes.

    “Maduabuchukwu Friday Onyeabor was found with 74 wraps weighing 1.256kg and Emma Ifoh was caught with 34 wraps weighing 0.710 grammes.”

    The commander said Omeluonye, who hid the drugs in tins, said he wanted to invest the N1 million promised him in business.

    “I suffered untold pain while in Brazil. I agreed to smuggle drugs because I wanted to settle down and further my studies. I have a diploma in Mechanical Engineering. I feel very bad,” Omeluonye said.

    Akubueze said he was given the bag containing cocaine by a friend.

    “I left Nigeria to Brazil in search of job opportunities. My condition of living in Brazil was worse than when I was in Nigeria. It was my friend that gave me the bag containing drugs,” he told investigators.

    Obidike said he was paid N200,000 because he could only ingest eleven wraps of drugs.

    “Drug trafficking,” he said, “was my last option to free myself from the harsh condition of living in Brazil. Unfortunately, I could only swallow 11 wraps so I was paid N200,000.”

    Onyeabor said his partner who was to collect the drug from me while in transit in Dubai failed to show up.

    Ifoh, a barber regretted travelling to Brazil.

    “It was the condition I found myself that made me to smuggle drugs. I was better doing business in Nigeria. I would not have smuggled drugs if I had not travelled to Brazil,” he lamented.

     

  • Arik crew arrest: NDLEA gets CCTV footage, impounds two more vehicles

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of how Arik Air staff, Ikechukwu Chibuzor Oliver smuggled three bags of cocaine along with food supplies for flight W3101.
    The Agency has also invited the younger brother of main suspect, Chika Egwu Udensi for questioning.
    Mr. Uwachi Amos Udensi, 32 years old was invited in connection with alleged complicity in the ongoing investigation of 20kg of cocaine seized by the United Kingdom Border Force at Heathrow Airport.
    The vehicles seized from Chika Egwu Udensi include a Land Rover, an Equinox Chevrolet and a Dodge Hemi Magnum.
    Narcotic investigators are still working on evidences so far gathered on the case. NDLEA said in a statement that the management of Arik Air is giving necessary assistance for the investigation.
    The Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade who expressed satisfaction with the success of investigation, directed investigators to further widen their search for more collaborators.
    “I am impressed with the success recorded in the ongoing investigation. The swift arrest of the main accomplice reflects our determination to speedily bring to justice all parties to the crime. Let me reassure Nigerians and the international community that those behind this crime has no hiding place” Giade stated.
    Further investigation has shown that Mr. Chika, the main suspect lives ostentatious lifestyle far beyond his salary. He is also believed to be involved in laundering illicit proceeds of drugs under the cover of automobile importation.
    The operational tasking order issued by NDLEA Chairman to its operatives to look inwards into the activities of the Agency and other airport workers is an immediate measure to avert acts of compromise calculated to undermine airport security.