The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Drug trafficking

  • Drug Trafficking: NDLEA arrests three clearing agents, exporter

    Drug Trafficking: NDLEA arrests three clearing agents, exporter

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have arrested an exporter and three clearing agents in connection with unlawful exportation of illicit drugs out of the country.

    The seized drugs weighing 54.76kg include 24.7kg of methamphetamine disguised as artificial hair, 2.810kg of cocaine concealed in foodstuff and 27.250kg of diazepam.

    The seized drugs have a street value of two hundred and twenty-two million naira.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah in his reaction to the harvest of arrests said that the Agency has recorded impressive success in prosecuting drug traffickers.

    “Anyone whose action contravenes the NDLEA Act shall not escape justice. Many traffickers have been successfully convicted at the law courts by the Agency. Clearing agents are liable under the law when narcotic drugs are traced to their shipments.

    “They therefore have a responsibility to know their customers and produce them on request. It is pertinent for them to take necessary measures in preventing their consignment from being used in smuggling narcotic drugs. Investigations into the cases have commenced and more arrests are in the offing,” Abdallah assured.

    NDLEA Airport commander, Ahmed Garba said that the command is working to improve productivity.

    “Preliminary investigation has shown that two of the clearing agents, Akpan Jacob and Nwaeyizia Chibuzor Sylvester conspired to export 24.7kg of methamphetamine. Another agent, Ndafia Mike had 50 packs each of diazepam tablets and injections while an exporter, Orji Sunday Otuu was found in possession of 2.810kg of cocaine. We are leaving no stone unturned in improving the operational activities of the command,” Garba stated.

    Akpan who is married with five children said that he agreed to take the job because of financial difficulties.

    “I am from Akwa Ibom State and I work as a clearing agent. I was given this job by another clearing agent, Sylvester. Ordinarily, I would not have accepted the job but I had no choice because of my family problems,” he stated.

    On his part, Sylvester told officials that Akpan was the one that mounted pressure on him to do the job.

    In his words, “I was never interested in this job but the pressure from Akpan was too much so I gave him the job. I also gave him one hundred thousand naira (₦100,000) before my arrest”.

    He hails from Delta State.

    Odofia Mike in his statement said that he was called to pick up the bag and send it to Guinea Conakry.

    “A customer called me to collect a bag at the motor park. I collected it and went to the airport but during examination, some injections and tablets of diazepam were found inside the bag. This was how I was arrested. I have no idea that there are injections there,” Odofia stated.

    Orji Sunday Otuu who exports foodstuff to India was found to have hidden 2.810kg of cocaine inside foodstuff.  “I used to export African foodstuff and spices to India. This time around, I was tempted to hide cocaine inside the foodstuff. I had wanted to make about ten million naira profit but things did not go according to my plan,” Orji lamented.

    The suspects will soon be charged to court.

  • EU support drug trafficking, illicit drugs fight with €36m

    EU support drug trafficking, illicit drugs fight with €36m

    Nigeria government fight against drug trafficking and illicit drugs has received a boost as the European Union (EU) support the effort with €36 million.

    The Deputy Head of EU Delegation in Nigeria, Mr. Richard Young, disclosed this while donating 11 Hilux vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), in Abuja, Tuesday.

    The EU funded the purchase of the vehicles while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are the technical partners.

    Ten out of the 11 Hilux vehicles were given to NDLEA while one was give to NAFDAC Young expressed worries that drug trafficking still remains one of the major threats to human security affecting the political, social and cultural development of every society.

    The Toyota Hilux vehicles, according to the EU head of delegation were distributed based on the outcome of an assessment carried out on the agencies.

    He explained that the donation of the vehicles was aimed at “supporting policy formulation and to improve drug regulation and coordination; improve law enforcement capacity in tackling organized drug related crimes and to enhance drug prevention, treatment and care services in Nigeria.

    “This project is to support Nigerian Government in its efforts to fight illicit drug production, trafficking and use. It is also to curb related organized crime including counterfeit narcotics and psychotropic substances.

    “I am pleased to see that there is a new national drug master plan that was launched last year. I know that it was put together by a wide support of stakeholders.”

    The envoy also announced that EU has so far supported Nigeria in the review and implementation of the National Drug Control Master Plan, strategic drug control approach, 29 law enforcement training courses, training of 1,000 health practitioners in charge of drug abuse treatment and care as well as school based enlightenment programmes.

    Reacting to the gessture, the Director of Administration of NAFDAC, Mrs. Yetunde Oni, disclosed that the prevention of circulation of fake and substandard drugs was a herculean task, hence the agency had decided to embark on collaborative efforts with others agencies in order to succeed.

    While applauding EU and the UNODC for the donation of the vehicle, she, however, requested for more vehicles so as to effectively cover other sensitive areas in the country.

    She vowed that the vehicles will be used judiciously for the purpose they are meant for.
     

  • NDLEA impounds truck with N15m Indian hemp

    NDLEA impounds truck with N15m Indian hemp

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency  (NDLEA) on Friday said it impounded a truck loaded with Indian hemp worth over N15 million in Akwanga, Nasarawa State.

    Mr Saidu Salihu, the NDLEA Area Commander in charge of Akwanga and Kokona Local Government Areas, disclosed this to newsmen in Akwanga.

    Salihu said that the truck was impounded after knocking down and killing three street hawkers at Alushi Village, near Akwanga.

    According to him, the occupants of the vehicle fled the scene after the accident.

    “The villagers later got there and discovered that the truck was loaded with hard drugs and contacted the agency.

    “The occupants of the vehicle left their mobile phones and other valuables in the truck and that is what we are using to track them down,’’ Salihu said.

    He said that the impounded vehicle had been deposited at the Akwanga Police Station while investigation was on going to arrest and prosecute the suspected traffickers.

    The commander vowed that the agency was poised to rid the state of drug traffickers and peddlers.

    He, however, solicited the support of members of the public in order for the agency to achieve its goal.

  • Shun hard drugs, Lagos commissioner tells youths

    Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Princess (Mrs) Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, has advised youths to shun consumption of hard drugs and drug trafficking.

    Akinbile-Yusuf gave the advice Tuesday at the maiden edition of National Youth Summit on Drugs/Substance Abuse Prevention, held at Bible Guest House, Palm Grove in the state.

    She noted that drug abuse and drug trafficking are some of the most pervasive problems confronting the government and young people with consequences on the family, the community and the nation.

    She said: “Drug abuse and illicit trafficking is the primary reason why many youths are incarcerated. By so doing, they become major perpetrators of crime as a result of mental disorders and health problem.”

    She stated that the menace of hard drug consumption has become a thing of great concern to the government.

    “The increasing numbers of youths in prisons across the country over the last few years are due to their involvement in drug. As a matter of fact, majority of them were arrested and convicted, while many have drug abuse problems.

    “Your continuous involvement in drug abuse and illicit trafficking is like committing suicide, killing your family dream, destroying community and communal togetherness, and by extension, destroying your generation. The money from drug trafficking will not last but one day bring shame, disgrace and untimely death.”

    The commissioner further revealed that the government through its agencies implements various in and out of school youth activities in order to channel the energy in young people towards profitable ventures.
    “Our ministry has constructed youth centres and playgrounds across the state for various youth empowerment and recreational activities. We also collaborate with other ministry like Ministry of Health to promote information and education on the dangers inherent in the abuse and illicit trafficking of drugs,” she said.

    Akinbile-Yusuf solicited for community support in order for all government’s efforts to yield good results.

    “Community support will help to prevent, treat, rehabilitate and accept those addicted to substances. This effort will boost war on drug as declared by the Federal Government using various agencies like the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) among others.”

  • Court remands 64-year-old man for drug trafficking

    Court remands 64-year-old man for drug trafficking

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered the remand of a 64-year-old man, Andrew Nwaochichi, at the Ikoyi Prisons for dealing in cannabis sativa, popularly called Indian hemp.

    Nwaochichi was arraigned on a charge of drug trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    He pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Following his plea, the prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, prayed the court to issue a remand order against the accused.

    “In view of the plea of the accused, I pray my lord for an order of remand against the accused,” he said.

    Consequently, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia, ordered the accused to be remanded at the Ikoyi Prisons, and adjourned the case till Jan. 14, 2016 for a review of facts and sentencing.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecutor had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Sept. 15.

    He said that the accused was arrested at Monkey Village in Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, where he engaged in the sale of cannabis sativa.

    The prosecutor said that the accused was arrested on a tip off and consequently, taken into custody by the NDLEA.

    He said the offence contravened the provisions of Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

    NAN reports that the offence of drug trafficking attracts up to a term of life imprisonment if convicted.

     

  • 70 year-old woman, 29 others in police net for drug trafficking

    A 70-year old woman, Aisha Alhasan was among 29 suspects paraded by the Police for trafficking 48 bags of indian hemp , weighing 24, 000 kilo grammes and other dangerous drugs including rubber solution, suck and die, tramadol tablets, codeine syrup, and penwin injections with a street value of N60 Million.

    The Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Muhammad Musa Katsina who led reporters to a warehouse located at Jaen quarters in Gwale Local Government Area where the illicit Hemp, said another 230 wraps of Indian hemp 58 packets of rubber solution, two gallons of suck and die, 45 cartons of tramadol tablets, 49 cartons of codeine syrup, six penwin injections and 13 cartons of other assorted intoxicants were also recovered.

    CP Katsina further stated that the big haul of the illicit drugs belonged to one Yusuf Ali (30)  who was a staff of Leads Star Academy, who pretended as a firewood seller in the area by using his position to engage in the illegal trade with impunity.

    The police boss said that the ring leader is currently on the run, while two of his brothers, Abba Mustapha, a staff of Corporate Security in Gabasawa, and Jamilu Abba, a tricyle rider who always act as the supply of the drugs to their clients.

    Katsina said that a special squad known as the Ambush Squad in a coordinated effort with the Special Strike Unit (Scorpion) also arrested 20 suspected drug dealers and consumers in the famous Sabon Gari community.

    According to him, the suspects were ambushed and arrested while consuming the drugs in their various hideouts in the area which led to the arrest of 16 major suppliers of the illicit drugs.

    He said that also, one Sani Ibrahim (43) of Augwar Uku quarters in the metropolis who supplies Indian Hemp from Benin city in a J-5 Motor vehicle, mixed with other vegetables to deceive security agents was arrested with three bags of Indian Hemp, adding that five suspects were also arrested for dealing in the sell of a dangerous drug known as suck-and-die and rubber solutions used by vulcanisers to patch tubes in different parts of the state.

    He said, “the operation was as a result of a painstaking intelligence by special ambush squad and then with the support of my local vigilante group. This as an inter-woven community, in the sense that it serves as a tripartite between the suppliers and the consumers.

    “ Today, we have been able to cut off the source; we are also aware that this place serves as a rendervour for criminal elements that used to come here to consume most of these dangerous drugs and when they become high, they go back to the community to wreak havoc on the innocent.

    “As far as Kano state is concerned, the on-going operation will be holistic. We will go and deal with any structure that serves as a motivation to others until they are all sealed so that innocent citizens will be free.

    “Intelligence at our disposal reveals that this Jaen Quarters houses notorious drug dealers and the Command is seriously warning all who live within neighbourhood of any drug dealer or where drugs are displayed, used or consumed and fail to expose them to Police will be arrested and charged to court for abetment of an offender,” CP Katsina stated.

    CP Katisna who expressed worry over the way and manner youths are indulged in drug consumption, appealed to parents, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders to brace up to this challenge, because the youth are leaders of tomorrow, “and we must stop this dangerous trend if we must guide our future.”

    One of the suspects, Sunday Victor (21), a University graduate from Eket in Akwa Ibom state who confessed to the crime said he was pushed into  drug peddling because of lack of job opportunities.

  • Man bags 10 years imprisonment for drug trafficking 

    Man bags 10 years imprisonment for drug trafficking 

    A 38-year-old man, Chibueze Onedigbo, was jailed for 10 years Monday for drug trafficking.

    Justice Musa Kurya of the Federal High Court in Lagos found him guilty of the charge by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    “I am of the view that the prosecution has discharged its burden of proof.  Consequently, I hereby sentence the accused to 10 years imprisonment, from the day of this judgment,” the judge held.

    He said the drug exhibits must be destroyed within 30 days if there is no appeal.

    The convict was arraigned on August 29, 2013.

    He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail for N5 million with one surety in like sum.

    The agency said he was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

    About 210 grammes of Cocaine was recovered from him during the outward clearance of passengers on board a Qatar Airline flight.

    The convict had concealed the substance in a black leather bag, which contravened Section 11 (b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation, 2004.

  • I invested N2m in drug trafficking, says suspect

    I invested N2m in drug trafficking, says suspect

    A 44-year-old man, Chidi Chibude, has reportedly told anti-drug agents that he invested N2 million in drug trafficking to enable him make N4million profit.

    Chibude, who was arrested by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, said he sold his only property in Enugu to raise the N2million.

    He was arrested while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China.

    A statement by NDLEA quoted him saying: “I am married with a child. I used to sell clothes and my business was flourishing in 2007. My problem started in 2008 when I lost all my three big shops. I see it as a spiritual attack because I lost everything I had laboured to acquire over the years.

    I sold the only property I have in Enugu with the hope of relocating to Lagos. Unfortunately, I listened to wrong advice and invested my last savings in cocaine business. They assured me that I could earn twice the amount I invested in the deal but I am regretting my action.”

    The suspect said he did not know that drug trafficking attracts death penalty in China, adding: “I never thought of it. My entire attention was on the N4 million profit I would have made from my trip. I am so worried now about my wife and daughter.”

    NDLEA commander at the stet airport Mr Hamza Umar said the suspect ingested 1.185kg of whitish substances that tested positive for cocaine.

    He said: “We discovered from our investigation that the suspect sold his property in Enugu and invested the proceeds in drug trafficking due to wrong counsel from friends. He was apprehended during outward screening of passengers on Qatar flight. The cocaine found on him weighed 1.185kg”.

    NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, who described drug trafficking as criminal, warned that those who seek wealth from crime would pay the price for their action.

    “NDLEA is combating drug trafficking with every resource at its disposal. Drug trafficking is criminal and the gains of a drug-free society is priceless. The lesson to be learnt from this case is that those who seek quick wealth from drug trafficking will end up in prison custody” Giade said.

  • …arrests 144 for drug trafficking in Imo

    The Imo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday disclosed that it has arrested 144 suspects for drug trafficking and other related offenses, while it seized 334.3 kilogram of hard drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa and sychotropic substance.

    The Deputy State Commander, Olugu-Kalu Chinyere, who made the disclosure, during a press conference to mark this year’s United Nation’s Day, said the arrests and seizures were made between June 2014 and June 2015.

    According to her, 75% of the suspects were youths below the age of 30, stating that the trend portends a ‘bleak’ future for the state.

    She said, “One worrisome trend in the statistics is the involvement of our youths in drug abuse and allied offences. Out of the 144 suspects arrested, over 75% of them are youths below the age of 30. This is a clear testament of the bleak future awaiting us as a state.”

    Olugu-Kalu, however, stated that 10 of the suspects were above 60 years, stressing that, “if those who were supposed to be resting in their retirement life are busy selling Indian hemp in the full glare of their grand children, you can only imagine the future of these children. In some cases, this has been adopted as family business, whereupon the father, mother and children engage in the sale of the illicit drugs.”

    She appealed to community leaders, clergymen, parents, the state government and other stakeholders to join hands with the agency to rid the state of hard drugs and the attendant menace.

  • Two housewives held for drug trafficking

    National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have arrested two housewives for ingesting cocaine.

    The women packed the cocaine in their underwear and inserted some in their private parts.

    Their arrest, according to NDLEA, prevented them from being arrested and executed in China few weeks after the Indonesian Government executed some Nigerians for drug trafficking.

    The women were found with 2.635 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos, while attempting to board a Qatar Airways flight to China.

    In their statements, the women said they took to the illicit trade because their husbands abandoned them.

    NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar described the suspects as desperate traffickers.

    Umar said: “These women are curiously desperate for ingesting drugs, packing same on their bodies and inserting in their private parts.

    “The first one, Uzoma Alaka, 47, was found with 1.180kg of cocaine. She inserted 260 grammes of cocaine in her private parts and ingested 60 wraps weighing 920 grammes.

    “The second suspect, Priscilla Chukwujekwu, 45, was caught with 1.455 kilogrammes of cocaine. She packed 59 wraps on her body, inserted one parcel weighing 1.285 kilogrammes in her private part   and ingested 10 wraps weighing 170 grammes. They are both from Anambra State”.

    Priscilla said she wanted to establish herself financially to take care of her children.

    “I am married to a soldier but he abandoned me 10 years ago when he retired from the Army. I got married early because there was no money for me to further my studies after my primary education. My husband who is a retired soldier abandoned me 10 years ago. Since then my life has been sorrowful.

    “I sell female clothes and shoes to take care of my children. I met a man at the market who promised to assist me in my business by making me an importer.

    “This was how we began to talk on phone. He gives me recharge cards and money to sustain myself. It was the day I was to travel that he told me that I would take drugs to China. He took me to a hotel where I was given the drugs and 6000 dollars to buy my goods in China. I could only swallow ten wraps, so I forced some into my private part   and packed others in my underwear”.

    Uzoma said her husband abandoned her with seven children, adding: “I sell female bags and shoes to sustain myself and my children. My husband left me in 2005 and since then, I have been facing several challenges. I took loan to travel to China and in the process; I incurred huge debt which compounded my problems.

    “At a point, I had no money for food, school fees and even house rent. This was what made me to smuggle drugs. I swallowed 59 wraps of drugs all through the night because of 6,000 dollars. I also packed some in my underwear and one in my private part. It was a terrible experience. I feel so sad that I have to end up this way as a Christian.”

    NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade said the action of the women was disgraceful.

    According to him, “it is good that the drugs were detected here by our officials because China has capital punishment for drug trafficking. This arrest saved them from death and the country from embarrassment. Their action is utterly disgraceful because as mothers, they ought to be of good example to their children.”

     ‘I swallowed 59 wraps of drugs all through the night because of 6,000 dollars. I also packed some in my underwear and one in my private part. It was a terrible experience. I feel so sad that I have to end up this way as a Christian’