The Enugu State Command of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency has arrested two suspected drug traffickers with 5.1
kilogrammes of powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine.
It was learnt that the agency’s operatives
arrested the suspects – Okoye Matthew and Dominic Igwe – at the Akanu Ibiam
International Airport, Enugu, during the inward screening of passengers on
board an Ethiopian airline.
The guard told investigators that he had brought
the drug hidden in a handbag for his friend.
He said, “I work as a security guard in South
Africa. It was my friend in Nigeria that requested the drug. My role is to
bring it and he will reward me.”
In his confession, Igwe, 29, said he was
sponsored to traffick the 3.6kg drug concealed inside folders from Brazil by a
baron whose name he had yet to divulge to the operatives.
The Ebonyi-born trader added that he had wanted
to use the expected proceed to clear his debts and boost his business.
“I am a trader but I am unable to pay my rent. My
capital has dwindled over the years to the extent that I am in debts. I was sponsored
to Sao-Paulo, Brazil to bring cocaine. I regret my involvement,” he said.
The NDLEA Commander at the airport, Mr. Udoh
Nsikak-Abasi, said the arrests were made after a thorough search.
He said, “Matthew was arrested with 1.5kg of
cocaine hidden inside hand bags while Igwe was found in possession of 3.6kg of
cocaine concealed inside three folders. Mathew holds passport number A04483481
while Igwe has A02375991 as his passport number. The total weight of the seized
drugs is 5.1kg.”
While commending the officials for the
interception, the agency’s boss, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, directed the Enugu Airport
Command to beef up its security checks.
He said, “This arrest is a welcome development
because we must eradicate illicit drugs from our country. I want the commander
to intensify security checks and ensure the interception of narcotics at the
Enugu Airport.”
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