An electronic dealer at Alaba International market, Lagos is currently under investigation in connection with unlawful exportation of 450 grammes of methamphetamine to Malaysia. The suspect, Olewunne Chibuzor Darlington said that he invested nine hundred thousand naira (N900,000) in drug trafficking in expectation of five million naira profit.
His criminal plan was foiled by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar who confirmed the arrest said that Oleunne Chibuzor Darlington was found to have ingested narcotics. In his words, “the scanning machine revealed that the suspect ingested drugs during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight. He was on his way to Malaysia but during observation, he excreted 450 grammes of substance that tested positive to methamphetamine”.
In his confessional statement, the suspect said that he wanted to purchase electronics with the illicit drug proceeds. “They told me that I can make five million naira profit if I invest nine hundred thousand naira. It was a trial business for me because it is my first time. I also did it of my financial predicament. I am from a poor family and the eldest”. The suspect also appealed for mercy.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade while commenting on the arrest called for stiffer punishment for drug traffickers. “No doubt, stiffer punishment will help in reducing cases of drug production and trafficking. We shall prevent drug traffickers from using the country as a transit point for drug trafficking. It is sad that a businessman will prefer to invest in criminality when there are countless legitimate businesses”.
The NDLEA boss however expressed delight that the suspect was caught in Nigeria. “I am glad that we arrested him here because of the capital punishment for drug trafficking in Malaysia. His arrest abroad would have added to the number of Nigerian drug convicts in foreign prisons. We have equally prevented Nigeria’s image from disrepute” Giade stated.
