Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have apprehended a 29 year-old plumber, Ogu Talent Okechukwu in connection with unlawful importation of 945 grammes of cocaine. The suspect according to the anti-drug Agency had attempted to import 57 wraps of cocaine he ingested from Brazil when he was caught at the Murtalla Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos. The arrest occurred during the inward screening of passengers on an Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi.
The NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar said that the suspect ingested a total of 57 wraps of cocaine packed in male condoms. “The suspect, Ogu Talent Okechukwu excreted 57 wraps of powdery cocaine packed inside male condoms and sealed with cello-tape. It is a dangerous practice because many drug traffickers have died as a result of leakage in such wraps of narcotics” Hamza stated. He also added that the case was under investigation.
The suspect in his confessional statement said that he was lured into drug trafficking over his inability to pay his rent of 150,000 naira. “I am a plumber. I am married with two children and my wife just delivered our second baby. My problem was how to pay my rent of 150,000 naira. While looking for money I was introduced to drug trafficking. They promised me 300,000 naira if only I will bring drug from Brazil. My travel expenses were sponsored. While in Brazil, I was given 100 wraps of drugs to swallow but I could only take 57 because it was my first time and it was not easy to ingest. I feel very bad now” Ogu who hails from Imo State told investigators.
NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade while commenting on the arrest called on members of the public to avoid crime and promote societal peace. In his words, “I call on members of the public to shun criminal acts such as drug trafficking and money laundering. The Agency will continue to adopt measures aimed at frustrating the activities of drug syndicates in the country. In addition to arrests, drug traffickers shall be diligently prosecuted and made to forfeit all ill-gotten proceeds of drugs. No drug trafficker shall go unpunished” Giade warned.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
