The Nation Newspaper

Tag: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

  • NDLEA opposes drug suspect’s demand for seized passport

    NDLEA opposes drug suspect’s demand for seized passport

    …..Seizes N29.6m drug proceed

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has opposed by an application by a suspected drug trafficker, Airford Okonkwo, seeking the release of his seized international passport to enable him travel abroad to continue with his business.

    Okonkwa is on trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged narcotic trafficking and money laundering.

    Part of his bail condition was that he would deposit his international passport as a guarantee that he would not leave the country.

    But, Okonkwo said since his arrest last November 17, his business of laptop, phone and accessories important had suffered.

    “My wife along cannot take care of the children and family needs, hence the need for me to continue with my business to meet my financial obligations,” he said.

    Vowing not to jump bail, he said NDLEA was already in possession of his $78,650 (about N25million) and 12,500 euros (about N4million), which he said were seized from him.

    “I cannot afford to leave my hard earned money to be unjustly forfeited when I did not commit the alleged offence,” he said.

    But NDLEA’s Director of Legal Service, Mr. Joseph Sunday, said Okonkwo’s passport had already been tendered as exhibit.

    “All other prosecution witnesses in this case will identify the passport in the course of the trial. Releasing it to the defendant will deprive the complainant of vital evidence and will prejudice and stultify the complainant’s trial of the defendant,” NDLEA said in a counter-affidavit.

    NDLEA said the money seized from Okonkwo “are proceeds of drug dealing.”

    Justice Abdulazeez Anka adjourned till August 23 for ruling.

  • Police nab South African cocaine trafficker’s Nigerian accomplice

    Police nab South African cocaine trafficker’s Nigerian accomplice

    A Nigerian suspected of having sponsored a South African woman, Lerato Lekganyane, who was allegedly caught with 1.21 kilogrammes of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport (MMIA), Lagos on May 20, has been arrested. 
    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) disclosed this on Tuesday at Lekganyane’s trial before Justice Babs Kuewumi of the Federal High Court, Lagos. 
    The unnamed Nigerian man and Lekganyane will be arraigned, (she for the second time) before Justice Kuewumi on August 4.
    Lekganyane was said to have been apprehended by NDLEA officials at the MMIA while attempting to board a Johannesburg, South Africa-bound plane with the illicit substance concealed in two packages inside her bra.
    Prosecuting counsel, Mr. Augustine Nwagu, had told the court that Lekganyane acted contrary to Section 11(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
    The accused had earlier been arraigned and pleaded guilty to one count of cocaine trafficking pressed against her by the agency, after which Justice Babs Kuewumi adjourned till yesterday for review of the facts of the case and sentencing.
    Yesterday, however, Nwagu informed the court that he needed to amend the charge sheet as Lekganyane’s accomplice, a Nigerian, had also been arrested and brought to court.
    He said, trying Lekganyane and her accomplice would ensure smoothness of the trial.
    “I was informed this morning that the person that sponsored her for this trip has been arrested and they even brought him to court this morning, but I told them that I could not file the charge now. I will be applying for a very short adjournment to enable me to amend the charge and join the second person that they have just arrested,” the prosecutor said.
    Defence counsel, Chief (Mrs.) Lilian Omotunde opposed Nwagu’s application.
    She said: “I am objecting to this application made by the prosecuting counsel in view of the fact that the matter was slated for review of facts today and the defendant has already pleaded guilty. She is a foreigner; she has accepted her guilt. I expected my colleague to have gone ahead for the review.
    “A few minutes ago, I was informed that a Nigerian who is the mastermind is in court. If it pleases Your Lordship, I will be applying that we go ahead with the review of the case. My learned friend knows what to do with the mastermind that has just been arrested.”
    In a short ruling, Justice Kuewumi said the prosecution was entitled to the right to amend its charge if it wished.
    He adjourned till August 4, 2016 for further proceedings.

  • Man, 56, two others remanded for ‘cocaine trafficking’

    Man, 56, two others remanded for ‘cocaine trafficking’

    Justice Babs Kuewumi of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday remanded Ezeanya Emeka Paul, 56, and two other persons in prison for alleged cocaine trafficking.

    The two others are Obi Chukwukwnene Edwin, and a woman, AbdulRasheed Rashidat Olanike.

    First defendant Paul is standing trial on a count of cocaine trafficking, second defendant Edwin on a count of heroin trafficking, while Olanike is facing two counts of cocaine and heroin smuggling.

    The charges were preferred against them by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    During Paul’s arraignment, State prosecutor, Mr. Austin Nwagu, informed the court that the first defendant was arrested by the NDLEA after he was found in possession of 1.47 kilograms of cocaine at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    He said the defendant had been a passenger on a plane from Brazil to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which made an emergency landing in Ikeja.

    For the second defendant, State prosecutor, Mrs. Juliana Emabo, alleged that Obi was arrested with 1.575 kilograms of heroin, at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, last May 3, on his arrival from Dar es Salaam in Tanzania..

    Mr. Abu Ibrahim, state prosecutor, informed the court that Olanike was arrested at the same airport, last May 18, with 970 grammes of heroin, and 155 grammes of cocaine, during an outward clearance of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline Flight to Guangzhou, China, through Addis-Ababa.

    The defendants denied the charge.

    Justice Kuewumi found the oral bail applications of defence counsel, Mr. B. O. Aikhegbe and E. U. Okenji, without merit and granted the prosecutors’ application for remand.

    Ezeanya was remanded till his trial date of September 29, while Olanike and Obi will be in prison custody till their trials begin on September 28, and October 19, respectively.

  • Narcotis: NDLEA quizzes South Africa based evangelist

    Narcotis: NDLEA quizzes South Africa based evangelist

    Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) are interrogating a South Africa based evangelist over 165kgs of narcotics drugs seized at Apapa Seaport, Lagos.

    The 92kgs of methamphetamine and 73kgs of ephedrine were detected inside two containers of foodstuff meant for export to South Africa.

    The arrest and seizure is a product of intense undercover operation by the NDLEA. The estimated street value of the drugs is 1.4 billion naira.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said that the seizure has significant influence on the campaign against narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances

    In his words, “this is a product of careful planning and meticulous tracking of narcotic drugs movement. The consignments were closely monitored by our undercover agents and intercepted at Apapa Seaport, Lagos following the detection of narcotics by NDLEA sniffer dogs during screening operation. This will definitely have a positive influence on Nigeria’s drug control efforts”.

    The NDLEA boss added that the Agency will remain meticulous in detecting drugs and prosecuting offenders.

    “I am very happy with the success recorded in this operation. The Agency will remain painstaking and professional in the fight against illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse. We hope to unmask the drug syndicate behind this shipment and make more arrests soon” Abdallah promised.

    The drugs were hidden inside packs of melon concealed in foodstuff and cosmetics such as Gari (cassava flakes), noodles, Knorr and Maggi food seasoning, yam powder, Malt drinks, pepper, Milk, Herbal Hair Cream and Golden Morn cereals. Other items in the container are Damatol Hair Cream, bags of Melon, Kegs of palm oil, Beans, Biscuits, Sardine and Cartons of Orijin bitters.

    During examination of the containers marked MSKU 388274-1 and MSKU 424717-0; anti-narcotic officials detected 20kg of Methamphetamine and 50kg of Ephedrine inside the first container and 72Kg of Methamphetamine and 23Kg of Ephedrine in the second container.

    The total weight of the drugs is 165kgs.

    Officers successfully traced the illicit consignment to a fifty-two year old man who claimed to be an evangelist by name John Vincent Arinze who was arrested in his hotel room in Lagos. A Mercedes Benz Jeep belonging to him was also impounded at the time of arrest.

    The suspect hails from Ara village, Nise in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. John who had lived in South Africa for over a decade accepted ownership of the illicit shipment.

    The suspect in his statement said that he made a big mistake by taking over the business of his late wife

    “I am an evangelist living in Durban South Africa. My late wife was into drug trafficking before she died few years ago. I made a mistake venturing into her business. It is all my fault,” he stated.

     

  • NDLEA arrests 8,778 suspects with 903,624Kgs of Drugs in 2015

    NDLEA arrests 8,778 suspects with 903,624Kgs of Drugs in 2015

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  said Tuesday that it has arrested 8,778 suspected drug traffickers comprising 8,143 males and 635 females in 2015.
    A total of 903,624.56kg of narcotic drugs was equally seized in the period under review.
    The seized drugs are as follows; cannabis 871,480.32kg, psychotropic substances 30,652.93kg, ephedrine is 785.10kg, methamphetamine 410.82kg, cocaine 260.47kg, heroin 30.09kg and amphetamine 4.83kg.
    The Agency also won 1,690 cases prosecuted in 2015.

    NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Col. Muhammad Mustapha (retd) made the disclosure at a meeting in Lagos to flag off activities marking the 2016 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.
    According to the NDLEA boss who said that the World Drug Day is for self-appraisal on how the country has suppressed illicit production and trade in narcotic drugs gave the campaign theme as Listen First.

    This theme focuses on drug abuse prevention and places a responsibility on parents, guardians, opinion leaders and stakeholders to listen to the views of persons with drug abuse problem with a view to helping them overcome drug use.
    “Substance abuse is an equal opportunity ailment with medically certified preventive and treatment solutions. This theme is a timely caution for persons who may be provoked by the involvement of their loved ones in drug abuse into treating them harshly and unconventionally.
    “Lets listen to them and share in their pain as we take necessary steps in drug abuse counselling, treatment and rehabilitation” Muhammad stated.

    The Agency also introduced a drug support group called The Drug Anonymous Support Group.
    This is for people who are trying to remain in remission from drug dependency and use but need peer support assistance and encouragement to cope with the everyday pressures associated with illicit drug use.
    This affords them a platform, continuous help without fear of inhibition as this group provides a safe environment where their individual challenges and problems can be discussed and addressed. 

    The week long programme of event has been streamlined for greater impact to include a sensitization road walk, campaign in mosques on Friday and in churches on Sunday. The grand finale which is Sunday June 26 has been shifted to Monday June 27.

    Abdallah said notwithstanding the numerous challenges, Nigeria is championing the war against illicit drugs and will sustain the lead ahead of drug syndicates.
    “Let me reassure members of the public that the Agency shall continue to intensify its intelligence gathering and management machinery. We shall unmask more faces behind the obnoxious drug trade and prosecute them.
    ” Our advocacy and sensitization programmes shall also be expanded. We are doing everything to secure the future of our great country from the wicked clutches of drug trafficking and abuse” he assured.

    The Agency observed that most people have abandoned their enviable career due to substance abuse.
    The chairman said : ” Marriages have broken up and others are on the verge of breaking up because of drug use.
    “Worst still, many people have been maimed and even lost their lives either by taking drugs or due to carelessness of those under the influence of narcotics. “
      He added that these adverse consequences would have been averted if only there were listening ears to persons with drug abuse problem.
  • Suspects hide narcotics in vegetable, shoe at Enugu airport

    Suspects hide narcotics in vegetable, shoe at Enugu airport

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA) Enugu has discovered compressed cannabis in vegetables and cocaine inside the shoe sole.
    Two of the suspects were found in possession of substances that tested positive for cocaine while four others were caught with dried weeds of cannabis sativa.
    Three of the suspects going to China, where drug trafficking is punishable by death were also saved from execution. A total of 62.663kg of drugs comprising 60.55kg of cannabis and 2.113kg of cocaine were ceased.

    NDLEA commander at the Enugu airport, Mr. Adeofe Adeyemi said that the airport command is working very hard to prevent all cases of illicit drug trafficking.
    “The command has arrested six suspected drug traffickers with 62.663kg of narcotic drugs. One of the suspects, Ibeh Kevin Nonso, 46 years old going to China swallowed 67 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.131kg while Izukanne Ikenna, 33 years old going to Hong Kong hid 982 grammes of cocaine inside the sole of his shoes.
    The only female, 27 year old Kenechukwu Ujunwa Uchenna was arrested on her way to Dubai with 11.7kg of cannabis in dried bitter leaf vegetables” Adeofe stated.

    Other suspects are Agwu Jeremiah Kalu, 30 years old was found with 25kg of cannabis in cartons and Okpara Kenneth Chigozie, 43 years old caught with 7.500kg of cannabis in his bag were both arrested on their way to China.
    Onyia Chukwuebube Clinton, 26 year old had 16.350kg of cannabis in his luggage during screening of passengers to Doha.
    The suspects in their statements owned up to the crime, adding that they needed money to take care of basic needs like house rent, school fees and feeding.

    NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) has warned that those who seek to enrich themselves through drug trafficking shall be apprehended and prosecuted. He called on members of the public to appreciate their dignity by taking a qualitative drug-free decisions.
    “NDLEA will continue to invest in public enlightenment to guide people in taking sound drug-free decisions. Life is precious and I urge you to shun drug trafficking and criminal acts capable of subjecting you to prison custody and untimely death” Abdallah stated.
  • Death row: NDLEA saves Nigerian from execution in China

    Death row: NDLEA saves Nigerian from execution in China

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has prevented a thirty-eight year-old mother of two children, Obudike Faith Ndidiamaka from execution in China where drug trafficking attracts capital punishment.

    This followed her arrest by anti-narcotic officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos during outward screening of passengers on Kenyan Airways flight to China. She was found with 1.155kgs of cannabis hidden in melon.
    Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah who condemned her action said that the Agency needs fund to embark on aggressive anti-drug public enlightenment.

    According to Abdallah, “it is sad that while government is worried over the number of Nigerians on death row in other nations, a mother of two children is still smuggling drugs to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death.

    Her arrest here has saved the country from embarrassment. It has equally prevented her family from the pain of losing a loved one under the circumstance. The NDLEA will not relent in saving lives and promoting the image of Nigeria.”

    The Chairman said that most Nigerians in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not depart Nigeria with narcotics.

    “Most Nigerians who are in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not take drugs from Nigeria. Some others were lured with fake promises of job opportunities by members of drug trafficking organisations only to find themselves stranded and vulnerable to drug trafficking.

    Those travelling abroad in search of greener pastures must have made adequate preparation for the period they will stay and also possess requisite technical skills. We are planning elaborate public sensitisation campaign to address this challenge” Abdallah stated.

    NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba said that the suspect, Obidike concealed the drugs in melon and food stuff. “She was caught while travelling to China with 1.155kg of compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. Investigation into the case is in progress and she will soon be charged to court” Ahmadu stated.

    The suspect who lives in Onitsha said that she was contracted by her social media friend to smuggle the drugs to China. “I am a trader. I used to travel.

    He promised to give me a handsome reward when I get to China. Unfortunately, the drug was detected during search at the Lagos airport. I am married with two children” Obudike who hails from Imo stated.

  • Lack of suitable interpreter stalls trail of Four accused Mexicans

  • Cocaine: NDLEA rescues two traffickers, arrests three others

    Cocaine: NDLEA rescues two traffickers, arrests three others

  • NDLEA discovers cocaine in sweets wraps, arrests two suspects

    NDLEA discovers cocaine in sweets wraps, arrests two suspects

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has discovered one hundred and ninety-three (193) wraps of cocaine inside packs of sweets at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

    The whitish substance concealed in sweets tested positive for cocaine and weighed 3.230kgs. Anti-narcotics officials discovered the drugs in the luggage of a twenty-four year-old female passenger from Dubai, United Arab Emirates. A suspected member of the drug cartel was also arrested.

    NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba said that the suspect who hails from Edo State was found in possession of the drug while a suspected member of the drug cartel in Lagos was successfully traced and apprehended.

    “One Igbainoba Uche Rose, who concealed 3.230kgs inside sweets was apprehended at the arrival hall during inward screening of passengers. A suspected member of the cartel, Ofor Kamsochukwu Chimezie was arrested on a follow-up operation. The suspects are being investigated,” Garba stated.

    During interrogation, Rose said that she works as a clerical officer after her secondary school. “I work as a clerical staff after I completed my primary school because there was no money to further my studies. I have suffered hardship in life, but a man offered to assist me establish my personal business. He promised to pay me half a million Naira. This was how I got involved in this problem” Rose said.

    Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah warned drug traffickers to desist from their criminal acts. “Drug criminals should shun their unlawful act because the Agency has perfected strategies to detect narcotics notwithstanding how cleverly they were concealed. Recent drug seizures clearly reflect the reformation of the NDLEA as an intelligence-led organization. We are determined to trace major traffickers behind the scene and prosecute the barons” Abdallah warned.

    The NDLEA Chairman assured Nigerians that no drug trafficker will go unpunished. In his words, “we are working hard to perfect the practice of aggressive follow-up on every case from the first to the last person behind every case of drug trafficking. Drug barons shall have no escape route. This way, drug trafficking will either be drastically reduced or completely eliminated from our society”.