PRESS RELEASE
Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 61 year-old man, Ogbodo Prince Ifeanyichukwu for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Istanbul, Turkey. The powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine was packed inside the suspect’s luggage. The arrest took place at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos during the screening of passengers on a Turkish airline flight.
NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr. Hamza Umar described the suspect as the oldest drug trafficker arrested since January. “This is the oldest suspect we have apprehended since January 2014. During search, officers discovered 1.250kg of cocaine hidden inside his luggage. It was cleverly concealed such that we have to cut the bag open to detect the drugs. The case is under investigation”Hamza stated.
The suspect in his statement blamed his involvement in drug trafficking on financial hardship. In his words, “I used to sell cooking gas at Sabo, Alaba International Market,Lagos. Problem started when I lost everything to fire incident in November 2013. I was married to two wives and blessed with three children but one of my wives had left me. In my search for a source of livelihood, I was told to take a luggage containing cocaine to Turkey for a fee of 4,500 dollars. They prepared my travel documents and gave me 2,500 dollars. I would have collected the balance of 2,000 dollars if i had taken the drug to Turkey. The plan was so real to me especially when they gave me my travel documents with the part payment. Now I know that I made a big mistake”. The suspect hails from Enugu State.
Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, AhmaduGiade reiterated his call for more support for the anti-narcotics campaign. “We need the support of all stakeholders in this all-important battle against illicit drugs. It is very shameful for a 61 year-old father to indulge in drug trafficking. We shall continue to prevent the exit points from being used for drug trafficking” Giade stated.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
