I Was Told the Bag Contains Chemicals-Suspect
Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have apprehended a Nigerian barber living in South Africa with 6.100kg of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine. The drug was detected during the outward clearance of Arik Air passengers to South Africa. The drug has an estimated street value of 50 million naira.
NDLEA Airport commander Mr Hamza Umar said that the discovery was made at the baggage checking desk at the departure hall. “The name of the suspect is Ozoh Hycenth Chukwuemeka. The drug which was neatly hidden in a false compartment of his luggage was discovered during routine check on passengers” Hamza stated.
The 45 year old suspect who had lived in South Africa for ten years told narcotic investigators that he was made to believe the bag contained chemicals. According to Ozoh; “A friend of mine in South Africa requested that I bring a bag containing chemicals from Nigeria to South Africa for 3,000 dollars. I asked him if it was drug but he said it was just chemicals. He paid for my return ticket and came to Nigeria. I am only struggling to take care of myself with my barbing business. If I had known that things will turn out this way I would have rejected the proposal. I have a daughter but I am separated with my wife”.
Chairman/chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade described the suspect’s action as sad. In his words, “This is sad and the explanation unacceptable. At 45 years, he should have known better. In any case, ignorance is not an excuse and he will soon be arraigned under the NDLEA Act”. He urged members of the public to shun drug trafficking and related crimes.
The suspect will soon be charged for unlawful exportation of cocaine as soon as investigation activities are concluded.
