NDLEA nabs alleged drug suspect at Lagos airport

OFFICERS of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a man, Chidi Chibude at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA) Lagos for being in possession of substances suspected to be cocaine.

The 44 year-old suspect, at interrogation told the anti-drug agents that he invested the sum of two million naira into drug trafficking because he wanted to earn four million naira profit in return. The arrest occurred while he attempted to board a Qatar Airways flight to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar said that the suspect ingested 1.185kg of whitish substances that tested positive for cocaine.

His words: “We discovered from our investigation that the suspect sold his property in Enugu and invested the proceeds in drug trafficking due to wrong advice from friends. He was apprehended during outward screening of passengers on Qatar flight. The cocaine found on him weighed 1.185kg”.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade who described drug trafficking as criminal also warned that those who seek wealth from criminality should end up in prison custody. “NDLEA is combating drug trafficking with every resource at its disposal. Drug trafficking is criminal and the gains of a drug-free society is priceless. “The lesson to be learnt from this case is that those who seek quick wealth from drug trafficking will end up in prison custody,” Giade stated.

He added that the suspect’s case is particularly instructive because he invested two million naira into drug trafficking which would have led to his untimely death if he was caught in China. In his statement, Chibude said that he was regretting his action. “I am married with a child. I used to sell clothes and my business was flourishing in 2007.

My problem started in 2008 such that I lost all my three big shops. I see it as a spiritual attack because I lost everything I had laboured to acquire over the years. I sold the only property I have in Enugu with the hope of relocating to Lagos.

Unfortunately, I listened to wrong advice and invested my last savings in cocaine business. “They assured me that I could earn twice the amount I invested in the deal but I am regretting my action,” the suspect stated. Chibude who hails from Enugu State when asked if he was aware that drug trafficking attracts capital punishment in China, said that he never thought about it.

I never thought of it. My entire attention was on the four million profits I would have made from my trip. I am so worried now about my wife and daughter,” he stated as he struggled to hold back tears. Meanwhile, NDLEA has assured that the suspect would soon be charged to court.