PRESS RELEASE
Attempt by a 34 year-old textile dealer in Aba, Abia State to evade arrest at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos has been foiled by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The suspect, Ulelu Ugwumba Michael was apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos for inserting two wraps of brownish powdery substance found to be heroin into his anus on his way from Pakistan. Anti-narcotics officials detected the heroin weighing 120 grammes during inward screening of passengers on Qatar airline flight.
NDLEA Airport commander, Mr. Hamza Umar who confirmed the arrest said that the drug seizure was facilitated by scanning machine. According to the commander, “the suspect, Ulelu Ugwumba Michael tested positive for drug possession on his way from Pakistan. When placed under close observation, he excreted two wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin with a weight of 120 grammes. The case is under investigation”.
In his statement, the suspect said that he assumed the drug will not be detected since it was just two wraps. “I am a textile dealer in Aba, Abia State. I travelled to Pakistan to buy goods. My business has suffered some downturn in the past two years. The decision to smuggle the drug was to enable me increase my capital. Since it was just two wraps weighing 120 grammes, I was so confident that it will be easy for me to pass through security checks undetected. I am sad over my arrest and pray to God for my freedom. This is my first time and I promise not to smuggle drugs again” Ulelu appealed.
Ulelu is single and hails from Abia State. He claimed to have attended Abala Primary School in Obingwa but could not complete his primary education because he lost his parents.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade foreclosed any act of leniency for the suspect. “The suspect will be charged to court to serve as deterrent to others. Those who seek criminal ways of making money must be prepared to face the legal consequences” Giade stated.
The NDLEA boss also warned that even if it is half a wrap of narcotics he ingested, it will not go undetected.
Ofoyeju Mitchell
Head, Public Affairs
