NDLEA seize 1.3 metric tonnes of marijuana, cocaine, heroin in Lagos in 3 months

Posted on April 7, 2017 by Staff Reporter

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The Lagos State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended 138 suspected drug traffickers and seized 1,399kg of drugs, which is 1.3 metric tonnes.

The drugs were seized in Ikeja, Oshodi, Mushin, Lagos Island, Ikorodu and other parts of the state within the first quarter of 2017. Those apprehended in connection with drug trafficking include 137 males and one female.

NDLEA Lagos Commander, Aliyu Sule, gave a breakdown of the seized drugs as well as arrests. In his words. “Cannabis had the largest share with 1,390.38kg, Tramadol 9.35kg, Cocaine 23.65 grammes and Heroin 22.8 grammes”.

One of the suspects, Ngozi Owunna, 34, who allegedly distributed cannabis within Ikeja, was caught at Allen Junction with 600 grammes of hemp after close monitoring by undercover narcotic agents.

According to the suspect, “I was a commercial motorcyclist but when the Lagos State government banned commercial motorcycles, I began to sell cannabis. I am from Enugu State. I am married with three children”.

Another suspect, Abdulrauf Oshilaja, 50, who was caught with 50.3kg, said financial hardship made him to deal in cannabis. “I am married to two wives with five children. I used to sell tyres but due to family problem I started selling drugs because there is more profit in it than selling tyres.”

Source: The Guardian

Nigerians may need NDLEA clearance to visit Indonesia

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Staff Reporter

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Nigerians with new passports seeking to travel to Indonesia will need to include a certificate of recommendation from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) among the documents needed to process their visas.

Harry Purwanto, Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria, disclosed this to NAN in Abuja on Monday, saying the new visa policy was in line with global measures to promote safety.

He said the visa conditionals were reviewed in October 2016.

Purwanto said it was easier for those with frequently used passports to get visas.

He explained that applicants seeking to travel to Indonesia also need to be invited or have certain recommendations to visit that country.

The envoy said the policy had made visa application process for Nigerians “quite tough” but added that it was for the safety of all.

“We (the embassy) could authorise the issuance of visas without having to get in touch with Jakarta; but since October 2016, we have to send visa applications from here to Jakarta for approval.

“We here can make only recommendations on visa applications, especially if applicants have programmes to undertake in Indonesia, but it is at the discretion of authorities in Jakarta to approve the visas that will be issued.”

He also said about 2,000 visas were issued to Nigerians in 2016, and the same number in 2015.

Purwanto said that both countries were working on programmes that could enhance people-to-people relations, adding that such relations would promote understanding between both cultures.

“We have about 50 Nigerian students in Indonesia, some under scholarship, and they serve as ambassadors for Nigeria there,” he said.

“The Nigerian community in the country is not so large, that is why crimes committed by a few could tarnish the image of others.”

Many Nigerians have been involved in drug trafficking in the Asian country.

Source: The Cable

New tricks used by drug trafficking cartels uncovered by NDLEA

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, says it has uncovered new tricks by drug trafficking cartels to circumvent security checks.

A suspected drug trafficker, Roland Chukwudi, 37, who was apprehended for importing 2.045 kilogramme of heroin from Nairobi, Kenya, was found in possession of a fake travel ticket indicating that he was coming from China, the NDLEA said in a statement on Thursday.

Another suspect, Maduka Nnaemeka, 39, was also caught attempting to export 1.555kg of cocaine to Dubai.

Preliminary investigation by the anti-narcotic agency revealed that Mr. Chukwudi deliberately replaced his ticket with a fake one showing that he was coming from China instead of Nairobi.

The agency said this was intended to place him on a low risk profile but his expectations were dashed as the heroin concealed inside his luggage was detected during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight.

Ahmadu Garba, NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, while explaining reasons for the falsification of the ticket, said that drugs are more expensive in Asia.

“The suspect wanted to distract the attention of officers by presenting himself as coming from China while he actually took off from Nairobi,” said Mr. Garba.

“This is because, it is economically unwise to bring narcotics from China where the price is far higher than here in Nigeria.”

Mr. Chukwudi, a trader in Onitsha, who is married with three children, said his friend introduced him into drug trafficking.

“This was the plan of my friend who introduced me into drug trafficking,” Mr. Chukwudi said.

“I sell clothes in Onitsha but my business is as good as dead due to the economic recession.

“My friend that I contacted for financial assistance requested that I bring a bag containing heroin from Nairobi. The fake ticket was the plan of my friend who assured me that I will never be caught.”

Mr. Nnaemeka, an automobile parts dealer based in Aba, said family problems pushed him into drug trafficking.

“I lost goods worth N4 million few years ago and since then my life has been a shadow of itself,” said the father of two.

“I smuggled the drug for the sum of N200,000 to solve family problem.”

Muhammad Abdallah, the NDLEA Chairman, assured that the agency would continue to work hard and remain vigilant in her counter-narcotics mission.

“We are always ahead of drug barons because of our commitment to training and security vigilance in detecting and nipping every subterfuge in the bud,” he said.

“The agency will continue to sustain its dominance over drug cartels.”

The agency said the suspects, who are from Anambra State, would soon be charged to court.

Source: Premium Times

NDLEA Parades 14 Drug Suspects In Kogi State

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The Kogi state command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has arrested some suspected drug peddlers including a serving police inspector and a dismissed corporal in the Nigerian Army.

The suspects were said to have been nabbed with over 1,083.6 kilograms of cannabis.

While parading them before journalists at the command headquarter in Lokoja, the state capital, the commander of the agency, Mohammed Idris, stated that they were all arrested at different locations in the state by a combined team of the task force.

The police inspector, Abali Zagi, who was said to be currently serving at the force headquarters in Abuja, explained that he goit involved in the business because he was tempted by the money involved.

The agency however says that the suspects would soon be charged to court upon conclusion of the on-going investigation.

Source: Channels TV

NDLEA arrests police inspector conveying drugs with Police staff bus

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lokoja, Kogi State, yesterday paraded a police inspector, Abali Zagi, with the Nigeria Police Force headquarters’ welfare bus loaded with 818.2kg of Cannabis Sativa.

The NDLEA Commander, Muhammad Idris Bello, while parading the suspects, indicated that the police officer and two other accomplices were arrested along Lokoja-Okene road on their way from Okpeila.

He said his patrol team had earlier allowed him a free pass but perceived the smell of weeds and decided to pursue the bus and arrested them. After a thorough search, the exhibits were found.

The commander indicated that drug peddlers were fond of using the ploy of carrying little children to draw sympathy so that by the time they were arrested, they could be left off the hook. “We have sent for their people to come and take away the boy because he is innocent. He has nothing to do with NDLEA.”

Meanwhile, Justice B.O. Quadri of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced a 55-year-old female pilgrim, Binuyo Basirat Iyabo, to 10 years imprisonment with hard labour. She was caught last September while smuggling 76 pellets of cocaine weighing 931 grammes to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

In his judgment delivered yesterday, Quadri said the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others. Besides, he said the hard labour was added to the sentence because the convict failed to reveal the identity of her sponsors.

Binuyo tested positive to narcotic ingestion at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja while on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia last September. She was immediately placed under observation by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), where she excreted seventy-six (76) pellets of substances found to be cocaine.

NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Hamisu Lawan, said the convict, married with three children and a trader at Dosumu market in Lagos, in her statement, agreed to smuggle the drugs for a fee.

“I wanted to expand my cosmetic business but I have no money. My sponsor offered to foot my expenses to Saudi on pilgrimage. I was excited until I was asked to take drugs along. I wanted to decline but considering the offer of a million naira, I accepted. I swallowed the drugs in Lagos and took a flight to Abuja on my way to Medina,” she stated.

Source: The Guardian

NDLEA parades policeman, others for ‘drug peddling’

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kogi State yesterday paraded 14 suspected drug peddlers, including a serving police Inspector, Abali Zagi and a dismissed Army Corporal, Umar Shehu, with over 1,083.6 kilogrammes of cannabis, valued at N6 million.

State Commander Mohammed Bello Idris said the policeman was apprehended with 75 sacks of cannabis, weighing 818kg, around Kabba junction, while returning from Okpela in Edo State.

The seized drug, worth N4 million, was loaded at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, into a welfare vehicle marked NPF7973C.

Shehu was arrested with 44kg of suspected cannabis by policemen at Obajana and handed over to the NDLEA.

Obiora and two others were also arrested with 190 blocks of cannabis and 155.5kg, by the patrol team of the Army, on the Lokoja-Abuja highway.
Also paraded was Aminat Iredia, 40, who was arrested with 32kg of the banned substance, around Crusher, a suburb of Lokoja metropolis, with her four-year old son.

Others paraded included Samson Danladi, Musa Lawal, Musa Umar, Anthony Okoh and Shuaibu Ibrahim.

Commander Idris said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations were concluded.

NDLEA Arrests 34-year Old Man With £3.8m Cocaine Stuffed In Shoe Soles

Posted on January 3, 2017 by Staff Reporter

Officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), over the weekend, arrested a man attempting to smuggle cocaine valued at £3.8million into the country. The suspect, 34-year old Enugu State indigene, Okolo Emenike Kingsley, was arrested at the at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

In a statement signed by Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, spokesman to the anti-narcotics agency, the NDLEA said that the illiicit drug, which was discovered stuffed in shoe soles, weighed 9.150kilogrammes. The discovery, explained the agency, was made in a shipment of shoes during inward screening of passengers on a Turkish Airlines flight from Sao Paulo, Brazil. The statement added that the drug was industrially concealed in the soles of new foot wears and that the seizure was the last arrest of the year at the NAIA, Abuja.

NDLEA Commander at NAIA, Mr. Hamisu Lawan, said: “There was an arrest at the weekend of a 34-year old suspect, Okolo Emenike Kingsley, who hails from Ezeagu, Enugu State. The motorcyle parts dealer said that he was offered the sum of N1 million to smuggle the drug to Nigeria. Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect is cooperating with our team of undercover officers.” The suspect, who is married and has a child, said he was forced into becoming a mule because motorcycle parts business has been hit by recession. The failure of his business, he added, made him travel to in search of job opportunity to Brazil, where his financial difficulties continued.

“I was confronted with the fear of deportation. This made me to be desperate in my search for quick wealth. In the process, I met my childhood friend who offered me N1 million to traffic cocaine to Nigeria.

“He also paid for my ticket and gave me three bags of shoes containing the cocaine. On arrival at the Abuja Airport, the cocaine was detected and I was arrested. I had wanted to invest the N 1 million in business in Nigeria,” he said.

Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Chief Executive, Colonel Mohammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.), said the seizure is an indication of the enhanced capacity of the agency’s officers. “The seizure is a validation of enhanced capacity of officers due to series of training programmes carried out by the agency. The training covering investigation, raid operations as well as prosecution was conducted with the assistance of the United States government, European Union (EU) and United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

“This is just a tip of the iceberg because as the benefits of these training begin to manifest, more drugs shall be detected, and cartels dislodged in the days ahead.”

Colonel Abdallah added that the NDLEA is determined to make the business unattractive to drug cartels by denying them the huge profits that serve as motivation. He called on all stakeholders to join inthe anti-narcotic campaign in the new year, adding that drug proceeds could be used to fund terrorism and bribe government officials, thereby stifling economic and social development.

Nigerian Customs Intercepts Trucks Smuggling Foreign Rice, Cannabis, Petroleum Products

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Nigeria Customs Service, Federal Operations Unit Zone C Owerri has interecepted trucks loaded with smuggled foreign rice, adulterated petroleum products, cannabis among other prohibited items.

Confirming the development at a media briefing, the Customs Area Controller, Mohammed Uba Garba said a trailer truck with registration number GBB 85 XA suspected to be carrying adulterated diesel petroleum product was intercepted by the Nigeria Customs along Aba-Owerri road.

He said: “The exhibit was discovered to have been hidden in a specially constructed tank for illegal bunkering and also concealed with 256 sacks of expired animal feeds to evade arrest.

“The seized adulterated petroleum product causes blockages of heavy duty machines and generators, which equally emit hazardous carbon monoxide, that are detrimental to the health.”

Comptroller Mohammed said that a suspect who gave his name as Chibuzor Njoku was arrested in connection with the crime and would be handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil defense corps for prosecution.

Comptroller Mohammed also disclosed that a 1 X 40” container with marks numbers MRKU 254564 loaded with 1,017 sacks of 50kg cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated at over #16,000,000 was intercepted on the Benin-Shagamu road.

According to him, the only suspect – James idoko who claimed to be a student upon interrogation attempted to deceive the Customs men by fraudulently presenting copies of suspected fake customs processed document on importation which was contrary to what was contained in the container.

The controller added that “the suspect offered a bribe of #350,000.00 in an attempt to avoid arrest. He is currently in custody with the bribe money which now serves as an exhibit along with the container load of cannabis awaiting the estimated value from the relevant agency – NDLEA.”

“The increasing tempo of criminality, violence and juvenile delinquency among the youth is traceable to the rampant consumption of hard drugs such as marijuana hence the clamp down on those involved in the illicit business.

“Consumption of cannabis also affects family relationship and we must fight it to the last so as to have a better society,” he stated.

The Customs Controller who subsequently handed over the seized items and the suspect to the Principal Staff Officer (Operation and Intelligence) of the NDLEA Edo State Command Timothy Adewole for further investigation assured that the NCS would continue to collaborate and work in synergy with sister organizations such as NDLEA, NSCDC, NAFDAC to smoothen its operations.

Furthermore, Comptroller Mohammed said that a MAN diesel truck with registration number KRV 238 XB carrying 725 different brand of 50 kg foreign rice with Duty Paid Value of #24,650,000. 00 suspected to have been smuggled into the country through the numerous creeks in Calabar/Cameroun border was similarly intercepted by his men this month.

He said that a suspect who gave his name as Mr. Fredrick Eze and claimed to be a representative of the owners of the exhibit was arrested.

The Customs Area Controller regretted that the penchant for foreign products by some Nigerians has continued to deal a devastating blow to the nation and her economy while many families have been thrown into agony as a result of the ceaseless unpatriotic activities of smugglers.

He noted that while the nation has continued to lose huge revenue, many lives have been lost consequent upon the unabated practice of smuggling.

He therefore advised Nigerians to imbibe a greater sense of patriotism in line with “the change begins with me” mantra recently launched by Mr. President by eschewing all acts and conducts inimical to the nation.

Ifeoma Onuigbo
Public Relations Officer
Federal Operations Unit
Zone C, Owerri

NDLEA Intercepts Record N4b Ephedrine Haul At Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Posted on December 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that it has intercepted the largest ever quantity of the illicit drug, ephedrine, at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

According to the agency, the record haul had a total weight of 83.390 kilogrammes.

The NDLEA also disclosed that two bags, with one containing heroin and arriving in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, and another bearing cannabis, being exported to London, were abandoned at the same airport by traffickers.

A statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the seized ephedrine has a street value of N4 billion.

The anti-narcotics agency equally disclosed the substance was concealed in artificial female hair by a suspected drug trafficking syndicate and was headed to South Africa.

The statement gave the names of the suspects as Unegbu Daniel Chukwu, 42; Ettah Joseph, 28; and Wopara Bright, 31.

The NDLEA spokesman added that that the agency’s counter-narcotic measures at the airport will intensify on a daily basis.

Also commenting on the seizures, the Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Colonel Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.), explained that the ephedrine was intercepted at the departure hall during outward screening of a South African Airways flight to Johannesburg, South Africa.

He added that three suspects, including luggage handlers and a clearing agent, are currently being interrogated in connection with the crime.

Colonel Abdallah warned that the agency will frustrate attempts by criminal syndicates to sully the country’s image.

“Anti-narcotic agents have been placed on the alert and will remain vigilant in detecting any act of sabotage. The case is under investigation and anyone found wanting shall be prosecuted in line with the NDLEA Act,” he said.

Preliminary investigation, said the NDLEA, revealed that Unegbu Daniel, an indigene of Anambra State working as a clearing agent, collected the luggage from his client and took it to the airport.

Two luggage handlers, who allegedly worked with him, were identified as Ettah Joseph from Cross River State and Wopara Bright from Rivers State.

The cases, explained the NDLEA, are under investigation aimed at uncovering the cartel behind the illegal shipment.

Drug valued at N14 billion seized at Lagos airport

Posted on December 9, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have intercepted methamphetamine worth N14 billion.

The seized drug, weighing 45 kilogrammes, was found concealed inside foodstuff in a luggage meant for export to South Africa, the agency said in a statement Friday.

The discovery was made during the outward screening of a Kenyan Airways flight. A 48-year-old cook, Richard Ese, had been arrested in connection with the illegal shipment.

Methamphetamine (also known as meth, chalk, ice, crystal) is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol.

Nigeria has so far discovered eleven of such clandestine laboratories where the drug is produced since 2011. Five were found in Lagos State, another five in Anambra State and one in Delta State.

Ahmadu Garba, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, said the suspect is assisting NDLEA’s team of investigators and would be charged to court soon.

Mr. Ese, who hails from Delta State and had worked for a decade in Madrid, Spain, said he was given N1 million to smuggle the drugs to South Africa.

“I was told the bag contains African food but during search, NDLEA officers discovered methamphetamine in the luggage weighing 45kgs,” Mr. Ese said.

“I worked in Madrid for ten years as a Chef and I am married with four children. The man that gave me the job met me in a drinking club.”

In his reaction, Muhammad Abdallah, the Chairman of the NDLEA, described the seizure as a victory over drug barons.

Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel, said the agency’s efforts in addressing the problem of methamphetamine production and trafficking must be complemented by stakeholders.

He also promised to arrest other members of the criminal group.

“I am very pleased with this seizure,” he said.

“It is a victory for Nigerians over drug barons but the Agency’s efforts in reducing the drug problem must be complemented by other stakeholders.

“Stiffer punishment must be meted out to those involved in methamphetamine production. On our part, the agency must continue to identify more clandestine laboratories and prosecute offenders. I want investigation to be very thorough and at the end of the day, more arrests shall be made. I want other members of the criminal gang arrested.”

The NDLEA boss noted that locally produced methamphetamine is in high demand in Asia and Europe thus making the criminal trade highly lucrative, adding that that it is only logical that such a drug should attract stiffer punishment to discourage its production and trafficking.

“Methamphetamine and similar drugs deserves stiffer punishment to check the proliferation of clandestine laboratories and cases of trafficking,” he said.

“Continued production exposes our youths to the risk of being recruited by drug barons to smuggle it out of the country. It is therefore worrisome that most seizures made are even destined to countries where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

UNODC supports effective regional drugs enforcement cooperation

Posted on November 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Regional Office of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is organising a “Conference on supporting the implementation of the ECOWAS Drug Action Plan through Effective Regional Drugs Enforcement Cooperation” in Abuja from 22-24 November 2016.

The conference is part of the “Support to ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on drug trafficking, organized crime and drug abuse in West Africa” a project funded by the European Union (Abuja Office) and implemented by UNODC in collaboration with Member States of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The activity is expected to be a significant step in supporting the implementation of the ECOWAS Action plan on drugs. The action plan benefits from assets and strengths that are: a confirmed political will, regional instruments, expertise from member States and financial commitment from donors.

The free movement of goods and people within the ECOWAS area, as a principle, generates economic opportunities and fuels the regional integration. But the side-effects are related to increased opportunities for organized criminal groups to traffic illicit goods and engage in smuggling across borders. Another major issue that further contributes to the current state of affair is laundering of the proceeds of criminal activities, especially across borders.

This conference is designed to provide pragmatic solutions to illicit drug trafficking Law Enforcement related-challenges, regional coordination challenges and legal challenges that can arise in investigating cross border cases.

The ECOWAS Member States are expected, during the conference, to
• Review the scope of Member Countries’ efforts at domesticating relevant international and regional conventions and protocols (UN, AU ECOWAS, etc.) against transnational/organised criminal activities;
• Explore and propose concrete ways by which ECOWAS Member States can Enhance information sharing, legal cooperation and coordination including Mutual legal assistance;
• Mobilise the support of the international community for the implementation of the Regional Action plan against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime associated with it; and
• Facilitate networking of policy makers, experts, practitioners and other stakeholders in order to sustain an open and productive dialogue on the issues.
Around 70 experts drawn from regional and international organisations such as INTERPOL, UNODC, ECOWAS and the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) are expected to discuss major issues faced by the region with a view to proffering solutions.

UNODC has provided technical assistance to West African States for 20 years, through its Regional Office for West and Central Africa (ROSEN) in Dakar, Senegal, and 10 other local offices based in different countries within the region.

As the guardian of the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime (TOC) and its Protocol, as well as the three Conventions on international drug control, UNODC is mandated to assist the Member States to strengthen their national responses on the matter, in line with their international obligation.

NDLEA Arrests 11 Suspects In Osun

Posted on November 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday said they arrested 11 suspects and destroyed 2, 317 bags of cannabis weighing 30,992kgs.

The agency’s spokesperson, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

He also said that some 67 bags were also transferred to Osun State Command of the agency as exhibits for further investigation.

“The cannabis will also serve as evidence against 11 suspected farmers arrested during an operation inside the cannabis plantation.

“The suspects arrested in connection with the cannabis cultivation are Kofi Mensah, Godwin Monday, Albert Aniama, Liberty Onyeka and Peter Nelson.

“Others are Harrison Ewoka, Ossai Nelson, Sulaiman Niyi, Dominic Tobechukwu, Mutiu Kolawole and Chucks Oghenekwu.

“The raid operation codenamed ‘Operation Herb Spring’ was in response to an intelligence received by the Agency on the activities of cannabis cultivators in the forest.

“The exhibits was estimated to worth three hundred and nine million naira (N309million).

“These exhibits were found in 27 camps used as storage facilities located within a farmland at Orita-Ijebu forest reserve, Ikoyi area of Ikire in Ayedade LGA of Osun State.

“Drug cartels have invaded government forest reserves for the cultivation of cannabis,“ the spokesman said.

He also quoted the Chairman of the agency, Mr Muhammad Abdallah , who said concerted efforts were needed to stop cannabis cultivation.

He said that farmers should be encouraged to cultivate food and economic crops.

“Unless the current trend of cannabis cultivation is addressed, the country is on the verge of a devastating food insecurity.

“It is worrisome that the cartels are using government forest reserves in the cultivation of cannabis.

“Stakeholders must strategise on how to increase food production and prevent criminal organisations from diverting arable farmland for cannabis cultivation.

“A situation where food and cash crops is paving way for cannabis plant portend danger and deserve urgent attention.

“The operation was a sweet victory for the agency because the farmers had done all the work by harvesting and processing the cannabis awaiting evacuation from the farms.

“It was a perfect timing for the Agency and a painful loss to the drug barons.

“They had prepared the cannabis in bags waiting for shipment when we raided.

“The Agency will continue to launch similar devastating attacks on drug trafficking cartels until they are completely defeated.

“All suspects will be arraigned soon,” Abdallah said.

Credit:

http://guardian.ng/news/ndlea-arrests-11-suspects-in-osun/

NDLEA seizes 5,000kg of cannabis in Abuja.

Posted on November 18, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday said it had seized 5,000kg of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Peter Adegbe, who spoke to newsmen in Abuja said the seizure was made in Abaji.

Agbede also said some traffickers and two trucks conveying the substance were also arrested.

He said the traffickers and the trucks were heading to Kano and Jos through Abuja when they were arrested on Tuesday.

According to Adegbe one Ubale Hashim, driver of one of the trucks and Sanusi Ibrahim, his conductor were arrested with 80 bags of sativa cannabis popularly called Indan hemp, weighing about 734.7 kilogrammes.

The second truck laden with about 3,750 compressed sativ?a cannabis weighing about 3,934 kilogrammes was impounded after the occupants abandoned on sighting the agency’s officials.

He said that about 872.7 kilogrammes of the substance was also been seized by the command’s team at Gwagwalada in October as part of the onslaught on drug traffickers, especially at this time of the year.

NDLEA Seizes Over 2,000kg Of Cocaine, Cannabis In FCT

Posted on November 1, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA), FCT Command, seized over 2,000kg of cannabis sativa, cocaine and other illicit drugs in October. The NDLEA, FCT Commander, Mrs Chinyere Obijuru, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a media briefing.

She said that the seizures were made possible by the agency’s intensified fight against drug trafficking in and around the FCT.

“The NDLEA under the leadership of Col. Mustapha Abdallah (rtd) remains committed to its mandate of eradicating drug- related crimes in the nation,’’ she said.

Mr Peter Adegbe, the command’s Public Relations Officer, who took journalists on an inspection of the seized drugs, said that most of the drugs were seized at Abaji, FCT. He said that the agency seized 1,799kg of cannabis sativa concealed in a compartment of a truck on Oct. 27 at Abaji. Adegbe said that the truck, heading for Yola from Edo, was intercepted in the FCT through the vigilance and professionalism of NDLEA officers on duty.

He said that the NDLEA also arrested a suspect with 76.2g of cocaine worth over two million naira on Abaji while the suspect was trying to smuggle the substance into the FCT.

The spokesperson said the agency equally arrested two men each with 49kg of cannabis sativa on the same route while trying to smuggle the banned drug into the FCT. He said collaboration of NDLEA with other agencies had begun to yield fruits, with the Nigerian Army Brigade of Guards intercepting a Toyota Corolla Vehicle with 16 bags of cannabis sativa weighing 156.5kg on Oct. 31.

Adegbe added that the agency also seized cartons and bottles of cough syrups with codeine and tramadol during raids in FCT in October. He said that the agency would continue to carry out anti-narcotics offensive in a bid to rid the FCT of drug trafficking and barons.

He called on FCT residents to be vigilant and report any drug activity in their neighbourhood to the nearest NDLEA office.

Credit:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/ndlea-seizes-2000kg-cocaine-cannabis-fct/

NDLEA Arrests 20 Suspects Over 61.465kg Of Hard Drugs In Adamawa

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Adamawa Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 20 suspects in connection with 61.465kg of hard drugs.

State Commander of the Agency, Musa Kibo revealed this to newsmen in Yola, Thursday saying the suspects were arrested at Yola abattoir and Jambutu Central Motor Park, adding that the arrest was made possible following the command’s efforts to raid the society free of drugs in the state.

He pointed out that the operation was conducted to dislodge some major drug abuse joints in Yola saying large quantities of Tramadol 250 mg was seized from the suspects.

“The command, during its relentless raid, dislodged drug joints which include Yola Abattoir Market, Jambutu Motor Park, Madam Street and Falujah market.”

“A total of 20 suspects were arrested, including the seizure of 61.456 Kg of assorted hard drugs such as Cannabis Sativa ,Tramadol 250 mg, Diazepam, Rophnol, Cough syrup with codeine and extol-5.”

Credit:

http://leadership.ng/news/555449/ndlea-arrests-20-suspects-over-61-465kg-of-hard-drugs-in-adamawa

How Building Materials Firm Imported N2bn Cocaine– NDLEA

Posted on October 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has confirmed that the substance found in a container imported by an Ikeja-based multinational roofing materials company (names withheld) is cocaine.

In an exclusive chat, the Head of Public Affairs of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the drug was worth over N2 billion. He said that the substance weighed 214.732kg and that investigation had begun.

It will be recalled that the Tin-Can Island Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, said it discovered a substance suspected to be cocaine in one of the seven containers brought into the country by the firm. Customs Area Controller, Tin-Can Island, Comptroller Yusuf Bashir, who briefed newsmen after the arrest, had said that the substance would be forwarded to NDLEA, for proper testing.

Comptroller Yussuf said officers of the command had received intelligence report on one out of the seven containers imported by the company.

He said the other items inside the container were declared correctly, but that the sack containing the suspected drugs was not declared on the cargo manifest.

Credit:

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/building-materials-firm-imported-n2bn-cocaine-ndlea/

Kaduna NDLEA seizes N30m worth of illicit drugs from traffickers.

Posted on October 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Kaduna State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has seized illicit drugs worth over 30 million Naira and arrested nine suspected drug addicts and peddlers in Zaria.

Parading the suspects before journalists at the command’s headquarters in Kaduna, the state commander, Samuel Azige, said the suspects were arrested during a raid at their hideouts in Zaria where they stored the illicit drugs in a warehouse.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects stored in cartons banned tramadol drugs weighing over 500 grams.

He explained that the drug apart from being banned by the World Health Organisation, (W.H.O) has also expired and therefore harmful for human consumption.

The NDLEA Commander stated that the suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded.

He said the command has made several seizures of illicit drugs amounting to over 20 tons as well as over 50 arrests since the beginning of this year.

Senator Ashafa’s Bill Advocating Stiffer Penalty For Drug Offences Pass Second Reading.

Posted on October 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Senator Representing Lagos East in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly, Senator Olugbenga Ashafa’s Bill seeking to Amend the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act CAP N30 Today, came up for second reading. The Act seeks firstly to curb the excesses of Judges who pass light, varied and discretionary sentences to convicts in clear disregard of the provisions of the NDLEA Act, which stipulates a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, or minimum sentence of fifteen years’ imprisonment for convicts.

While reading his lead debate, the Senator pointed out that the stiff punishment originally prescribed by the Act Is to deter people from engaging in drug related activities, but the actions of some judges in passing light sentences only makes a mockery of the deterrent nature of the Act thereby sending a wrong message to drug dealers and traffickers, their countries, our youths and the international community.

This light sentences being imposed by judges contrary to the provisions of the Act. The Bill seeks to amend Section 26 of the Act by including an additional Clause, which makes it mandatory for judges to impose the sentences stipulated in the Act for convicts, removing completely the discretion which the judges have arbitrarily exercised.

The said clause states that “The penalties provided for in this Act shall be adhered to, and notwithstanding any provision in any other law or rule of practice, a trial judge shall not have the power to vary such penalties either by imposing a lesser term of imprisonment or granting a convict an option of fine.” Secondly the Act seeks to correct a minor but significant error in the principal Act which mis-spelt the word “heroin” as “heroine”.

The final amendment seeks to increase the option of fine of N20, 000 imposed as penalty for obstructing the Agency or authorized officers of the Agency in the exercise of any of their powers to N100, 000.00. The Senator, pointed out to his Distinguished Colleagues that the economic-realty of Nigeria today has rendered the N20, 000.00 fine paltry and unrealistic which necessitates the increase to N100, 000.00.

While contributing to the well received debate on the Bill, Distinguished Senator, Shehu Sani from Kaduna Central, lent his support to the Bill by emphasissing on the need for the Drug Law to serve as a deterent and to be enforced as contemplated by the drafters of the Law. He commended the well detailed instances canvassed in the body of Ashafa’s lead debate and pointed out that drug dealers are making use of this lacuna in the Act, as it emboldens them to go about carrying out their drug activities. He noted that it is essential that the Bill be passed quickly to avoid our dear country being destroyed by drugs, as is the case in Guinea-Bissau.

The Senate president, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki in closing the debate added that the NDLEA Amendment Bill is very important especially with the growing increase in drug use & trafficking and that the Nigerian Senate will support everything to bring down the illicit drug trade. The Bill was then forwarded to the Drugs and Narcotics Committee of the Senate for Consideration.

NDLEA seizes N10.7bn illicit drugs, arrests 7 suspects in Edo

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated illicit drugs valued at over N10.7 billion in Benin.

The State Commander of the Agency, Mr Buba Wakawa, told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Benin, that seven suspects were arrested in connection with the siezure.

Wakawa, who gave a run down of the command’s achievements during the third quarter of 2016, said the seven suspects were arrested with 34.2 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.

He described Methamphetamine as more dangerous and harmful than cocaine, adding that it was not commonly known to ordinary people on the street.

According to him, the confiscated drug has a street value of about 700,000 dollars per kilogramme, which translates to 23.9 million dollars for the 34.2 kg confiscated.

The commander also put the estimated value of the siezed drug at about N10.7 billion.

He disclosed that the suspects, who concealed the substance in 102 cartons of HP computer printer cartridges, were arrested on Sept. 24, on Lagos- Benin-Asaba Expressway.

Wakawa disclosed that the command also arrested 69 other suspects during the period under review for alleged drug trafficking.

He said that nine out of the 69 suspected drug traffickers were women, adding that two had been charged to court.

Wakama said that the total narcotic confisticated during the period weigh up to 2, 156.1 Kilogrammes.

He listed the drugs to include 1, 911 kilogrammess of Indian hemp, 34.2 Kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, 3.5 gramms of cocaine, 129 kilogrammes of Tramadol and 82 kilogrammess of Diazepam.

The NDLEA commander added that 11.514 hectares of carnabbis sativa were destroyed during the period under review and five vehicles impounded.

According to him, the command currently has 162 pending cases in various courts in the state and had couselled 32 drug addicts.

NDLEA Denies Torturing Baba Suwe During Interrogation

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has debunked the claims that that its operatives subjected popular Yoruba actor, Babatunde Omidina, to physical torture during the period he was incarcerated by the agency for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs.

The Head, Public Affairs of the NDLEA, Mr, Mitchell Ofoyeju, who was reacting to the allegation by Nollywood actor, Yomi Fabiyi, that Baba Suwe’s health was worsening due to torture at the agency, said the story was unfounded.

Fabiyi had, in a statement posted on his Instagram page on Wednesday, claimed that Baba Suwe told him that he could no longer walk properly because a pipe was inserted in his anus during the period that he was detained by the NDLEA.

“He told me that he could no longer feel comfortable since that episode. Baba Suwe can hardly walk properly as I speak, let alone go to film. How will he feed and take care of the children that Aunty Moladun left behind?

“He told me when I visited him that he was innocent and a long pipe was inserted in his anus. He was detained for too long, among other things, just because he was randomly suspected like every normal person.

“Torture is criminal and sinful. If this accusation is found to be true by independent investigators, it shouldn’t go unpunished,” he had said.

But Ofoyeju dismissed the actor’s claims as false, saying, “The NDLEA did not torture Baba Suwe. If he was tortured, he would have said it himself. ?This is just an unfounded rumour on the social media and it should be disregarded.

“As a matter of fact, Baba Suwe was given the best treatment. We treated him with due regard to the requirement of fundamental human rights globally. He was talking to his relatives and lawyer. He was never kept in a prison for the period that he stayed here because he was virtually under our observation.”

Also, regarding Fabiyi’s claim that the NDLEA failed to obey a court order to pay Baba Suwe the sum of N25m in damages, the spokesman said that the agency was not obliged to obey the order since a substantive ruling by the Court of Appeal had directed? it not to pay the actor.

“If Baba Suwe had gone to the Supreme Court, perhaps his case would have been upheld. But he did not do so,” Ofoyeju said.

NDLEA Arrests Man With Drugs Worth N31m At Lagos Airport

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a South African based Nigerian, Abiodun Israel Banjo, for the possession of methamphetamine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos.

In a statement by its spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency said Banjo was arrested during the screening of South Africa bound passengers.

According to the statement, the parcels of methamphetamine weighed 3.435kgs with an estimated street value of N31 million in Nigeria.

NDLEA commander at the Abuja airport, Ahmadu Garba while speaking on the arrest said officials of the anti-narcotics agency discovered methamphetamine in Banjo’s bags during a luggage check.

He said the drugs were hidden under clothing and food items. Mr. Garba said the suspect was immediately arrested while investigations were ongoing.

The suspect, however, said his friend gave him the bags, denying any knowledge of its contents.

“I work in Pretoria. My friend in South Africa called me saying that his brother would give me two bags containing foodstuff to take to him. He also promised to give me two thousand dollars. I opened the bags and checked thoroughly, but could not find anything criminal. That was how I accepted to take the bags,” Banjo explained.

“I was surprised when the drug was detected under the bags. I feel very sad that my friend has implicated me,” he said.

NDLEA Chief Executive Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah has said the suspect would be charged to court.

NDLEA arrests graduate with N31m drug at MMIA

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

A 45-year-old man, Abiodun Banjo, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos State for alleged N31m drug trafficking.

It was learnt that Banjo, a graduate of a technical college in Ogun State, was heading for Pretoria, South Africa, when he was arrested with the drug concealed in two bags.

It was gathered that the suspect was allegedly caught with parcels of methamphetamine, valued at N31m.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Mitchell Ofoyeju, said Banjo’s arrest took place during the outward screening of passengers on a South African airline flight to South Africa.

He added that the parcels of drug tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed 3.435 kilogrammes with a street value of about N31m.

He said, “Two bags belonging to the suspect were found to contain parcels of methamphetamine. Inside the bags were also food ingredients and clothes, but underneath these was a thin parcel of narcotics carefully concealed. He was immediately arrested and investigation is ongoing.”

Banjo, in his statement, said the bags were given to him to deliver to a friend in South Africa, adding that he had lived and worked in Pretoria since 2012.

He said, “I work in Pretoria. My friend in South Africa called me that his brother would give me two bags containing foodstuffs to bring while coming. He also promised to give me $2,000. I opened the bags and checked thoroughly, but, could not find anything incriminating. That was why I accepted to take the bags.

“I was surprised when the drug was detected under the bags. I feel sad that my friend has implicated me.”

The NDLEA Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah, said members of the public must be aware of the tricks employed by drug cartels.

He said, “Drug traffickers recruit mules by enticing them with money. They are very clever in concealing drugs in bags, electronics, foodstuffs and clothes, among others. We strongly advise all passengers to pack their bags themselves and avoid taking bags for others.”

The NDLEA boss added that ignorance was no excuse in drug trafficking, adding that the suspect would be charged with unlawful exportation of narcotics.

NDLEA set to recruit 10,000 officers next year

Posted on September 6, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), has said the federal government has approved the recruitment of 5000 staff in the National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), in addition to 10,000 in 2017.

Malami, who spoke at the ECOWAS ministers meeting, said there are plans by the federal government to improve the capacity of the agency in relation to fighting crimes in the region.

Malami, who urged member countries’ ministers to adopt the new ECOWAS Regional Drug Action Plan, for the year 2016-2020, said it provides a roadmap and working document for the ECOWAS drug control team.

Commending Nigeria’s effort to tackle drug trafficking at the national level, the ECOWAS director in charge of Drug Control, Sintiki Ugbe, said Nigerian government has shown political commitment by approving the recruitment of workers to widen the NDLEA capacity and further develop a national drug control master plan.

“We see and applaud that kind of political commitment in the region. We also want to see the translation of political commitment into real actions,” Ugbe said.

NDLEA Staff Drown In River Chasing Drug Baron

Posted on August 23, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Borno Command of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the death of one its staff who got drowned in a river while chasing a notorious drug baron.

Ona Ogilegwu, NDLEA Commandant in Borno, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the incident occurred during an operation in Gwange area of Maiduguri.

“In an effort to arrest a notorious baron, four men of the command were involved in a water mishap after diving into the Gwange River in pursuit of the suspect.

The narcotic boss said that the NDLEA officials were involved in the mishap because they could not swim.

“The sad incident led to the death of one of our officers in the hospital after a failed attempt to revive him.

“The survivors were discharged from hospital today,’’ Ogilegwu.

The NDLEA boss said that the command would still go after the suspect and arrest him.

NDLEA Arrests 184 Drug Suspects, Convicts Six In Akwa Ibom

Posted on August 22, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Akwa Ibom Command, said on Sunday that it arrested 184 suspected drug offenders between January and July.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mrs Maria Ilugbuhi, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo, and said that six of them had been convicted.
Ilugbuhi said that 154 of the suspects were males while 30 were females.

She added that during the period, the command also seized 96.39 kilogrames of hard drugs from the suspects.

The public relations officer said the seized drugs included cocaine, heroin, cannabis sativa and psychotropic substance.

She said that the Drug Demand Reduction Unit (Counseling Unit) of the agency had counseled, rehabilitated and reunited six of the suspects with their families.

“We arrested 184 drug dealers and users and secured six convictions in the last seven months

“Over 96.39 kg of hard drugs were seized from these suspects during the period ,” he said.

Ilugbuhi said that there was higher prevalence of use of cocaine and combined substances than cannabis sativa in Uyo, the state capital.

She attributed the success of the agency in arresting the suspects to the good working relationship and synergy between it and other security agencies in the state.

The PRO, however, said that inadequate funding and logistics were some of the challenges the command faced.

She urged the people to endeavour to provide the agency with useful information on drug dealers and users for prompt action.

Ilugbuhi said that the agency was working very hard to reduce illicit drug use and trade in the state, advising the people, especially the youths, to shun the vice.

NDLEA Probes Pilgrims’ Arrest In Saudi

Posted on August 19, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd), has ordered investigation into the arrest of three Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia in connection with substances suspected to be cocaine.

Abdallah expressed disappointment at the incident, saying a panel, headed by Director of Operations and General Investigation Mr. Olugbenga Mabo would probe the incident.

The NDLEA boss said: “Narcotic smuggling is criminal and the involvement of pilgrims is utterly reprehensible. This is unfortunate and we are working hard to get to the root of it. The agency is handling this case with every sense of seriousness and urgency because this action has negatively affected the image of Nigeria. We have also taken measures to intensify the screening of pilgrims yet to depart to Saudi Arabia to prevent a re-currence of the sad incident.”

NDLEA probes pilgrims’ arrest in Saudi

Anambra Big Boy, Vincent Chidiebere, Nabbed with Drugs worth N1.78b

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Vincent Chidiebere, a 31yrs old guy in Anambra State for allegedly peddling hard drug worth N1.78 billion.

Addressing reporters in Onitsha on Tuesday, the Commander, Mr Sule Momodu said the suspect was nabbed in Awka, the state capital, on July 28 with methamphetamine weighing 25.2kg.

He said the arrest followed a tip-off that a shipment of the drug would pass through Anambra from Enugu to Lagos.

“Based on the information, we set up a team to search vehicles from a particular company. About 11am we intercepted a vehicle carrying the substance and nabbed the suspect.”

Mr. Momodu, who said the substance tested positive, described the drug as “one of the most potent illicit drugs in the world, which has a lot of destructive tendencies on the user.”

He someone under the influence of methamphetamine can be influenced to make disastrous decisions and can make criminals test the nation’s security to its limit.

The commander said besides the security threat posed by the users, the drug posed a health hazard.

He said chemicals used for the production were highly toxic and could cause permanent destruction to the eco-system.

“The waste from the drug is more toxic than the extracted substance. The people around where it is being produced are likely to be exposed to cancer and other incurable diseases, while children born in the area are likely to be deformed.”

NDLEA had discovered three methamphetamine laboratories at Nanka, Ozubulu and Obosi all in the South East, and the commander believed that more laboratories exist. They would track them.

He said Vincent Chidiebere will be charged to court according to law.

NDLEA Arrests 135 Indian Hemp Sellers In Delta

Posted on April 12, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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No fewer than 135 Indian hemp sellers have been arrested by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency, Delta State command.

The suspects were caught on Monday with 160 bags of Indian hemp.

Mr. Frank Hannachor, the state commander of the agency, confirmed that operatives of the agency acted on a tip-off in Obiaruku and Kwale community where Indian hemp smoking and cultivation have been beehive of activities in the past three years and arrested the suspects, adding that the suspects were handed over to the police for prosecution.

Noting that hard drugs including Indian hemp were against the laws, the NDLEA boss disclosed that the state command in the past six months has recorded arrests of those involved in the use of hard drugs including Indian hemp, adding that the command will not relent in its efforts to make the state under his leadership free of illicit drugs.

“We have recorded tremendous arrests of drugs users, especially when our men were on routine patrol along Asaba – Benin Express Way, around Issele-Azagba, in Obiaruku, Kwale, Umutu, and some part of Asaba,” he said.
“Indian hemp business thrives, but we will not allow such under my leadership, we believe we can eradicate the ills.”
Hannachor warned that NDLEA will deal with those who refused to eschew the use of hard drugs.

Credit: Punch

NDLEA Set To Check Drug Addiction In IDP Camps

Posted on March 21, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says will evolve proactive methods of checking what it described as drug addiction among the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various camps.

Mr Ona Ogilegwu, the Commander of the agency in Borno, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Sunday.

He observed more than 2,000 IDPs in Borno camps were chronic addicts of illicit drugs and solicited the inauguration of a committee on drug abuse in camps.

According to Ogilegwu, none of the 28 camps in the state capital is free from addiction of Indian hemp, cocaine and diazepam, among other substances.

He stressed that the officials of the agency had, on many occasions, intercepted such substances from peddlers that sold them to the IDPs.

“The government should set up committee on drug abuse comprising NDLEA, military, State Emergency Management Agency, WHO and psychiatric institutions to handle the menace of drug activities in camps.

“There is an increase in mental disorder cases associated with drug abuse in Federal Neuro- Psychiatric hospitals due to Boko Haram insurgency.

“Setting up of the committee is important as the Borno government will soon start the process of transporting these IDPs back to their homes as part of its rehabilitation, reconstruction and relocation effort.

“They should also set up machineries to check drug addicts among the IDPs so they don’t go back and constitute nuisance.

“Allowing the IDPs to go unchecked is like incubating bunch of addicts into the society; we are mapping out aggressive enlightenment campaigns on how to check drug peddlers and users,’’ he said.

NDLEA has, in recent time, expressed concern over illicit drug use in IDPs camps following the arrest of a drug peddler in Dikwa, Borno.

The agency arrested a middle aged Baba Haruna, while attempting to sell drugs, including cocaine, to addicts within a camp of IDPs.

(NAN)

Senate Orders NDLEA To Stop Harassing Kashamu

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The Senate on Wednesday ordered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA) to stop any further harassment of Senator Buruji Kashamu over allegations bordering on drug peddling said to have been allegedly committed by the lawmaker in the United States of America.

The order by the Red Chamber of the National Assembly came on the heels of a petition written and sent to its committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition by Barrister Ajibola Oluyede, counsel to Kashamu, over alleged plans by the NDLEA to abduct the embattled senator.

Through his lawyer, Kashamu told the committee that based on information he got from some whistle blowers within the agency, while the plan to abduct him has reached advance stage, the arrangement is that he should be whisked to the United States on phantom charges of drug trafficking.

Oluyede informed the committee that the plan which is coded ‘rendition plot’, had always been used by the American government against fugitives or terrorists, non of which Kashamu can be said to be.

Specifically, Kashamu’s counsel fingered the immediate past Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade as the person behind the plot, saying, having failed to achieve such illegal action against Kashamu when he was NDLEA boss through court pronouncements, he (Giade) was now trying to achieve it as Special Assistant on Narcotics to the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF).

Credit: Leadership

NDLEA Arrests 286 Suspects In Niger Command, Seizes 1, 614.529kg Of Drugs

Posted on January 29, 2016 by Staff Reporter

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The Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 286 drug suspects and seized 1,614.529kg of various drugs.

The state commander of the Agency, Mr Iweajunwa Joseph stated this yesterday at a news conference that it is the number of suspects that were arrested in 2015 and the quantity of drugs seized within the same period.

He stated that the suspects arrested were made up of four females and all others are males and that the number of suspects arrested were on the increase because in 2014, only 168 suspects were arrested.

According to him, some of the drugs seized were cannabis sativas (Indian hemp), about 1,320.129kg, Diazepan tablets, 44.278kg, Tramadol tablets, 161.215kg, while cocaine was about 0.0014kg.

Mr Joseph stated that a total of 87 clients have been corrected and rehabilitated within the period adding that the NDLEA has mopped up about 8,400mls of cough syrup, codeine, the abuse of which is more prevalent among youths in the state.

“For the year 2016, the command is going to strengthen our efforts in introduction, prosecution, demand reduction especially public enlightenment and rehabilitation”, he stated.

Credit: Leadership

NDLEA Destroys 10,239.26 kgs Of Narcotics In 2015– Official

Posted on January 14, 2016 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, on Thursday said it destroyed 10,239.26 kilogrammes of narcotics in the state between January and December 2015.

The spokesperson of the command, Mrs Mutiat Okuwobi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that it also seized 9369.8 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa and 34.42 kilogrammes of psychotropic substance respectively.

She also said that the agency destroyed 192.39 acres of farmlands in different parts of the state where weeds suspected to be cannabis were cultivated.

Okuwobi said that the agency arrested 227 suspects comprising 215 males and 12 females and recorded 59 convictions in 2015.

The official said that the command’s Drug Demand Reduction Unit also rehabilitated and counseled 20 drug addicts within the period under review.

She cautioned the public on dangers associated with drug abuse, and urged parents to monitor the movements of their children to prevent them from anti-social behaviors.

Credit: Leadership

NDLEA Quizzes Ojukwu’s Niece, Four Others For Importing 2.24kg Of Cocaine

Posted on January 13, 2016 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested one Ijeoma Ojukwu and four others for their alleged involvement in the importation of 2.24kg of cocaine.

Ojukwu, who is purportedly the niece of the late Biafran warlord, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, was arrested alongside an NDLEA officer who facilitated the clearance of the illicit substance at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja.

Other suspects were identified as Ali Bala Adamu, a member of staff of NDLEA, Victor Umeh, Uche Igwelo and Egbuche Fidelis Osita.
All five suspects were taken for interrogation at the agency’s headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, after the illicit substance imported from Brazil was allegedly abandoned at the airport.

Confirming the arrests, NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said operatives of the agency commenced investigation after an abandoned luggage from Brazil was found to contain 2.24kg of cocaine at MMIA.

He said further investigation led to the arrest of five suspects including a member of staff of the narcotics agency.
Reacting to the arrest, the acting Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Mrs. Roli Bode-George, said the agency would prosecute whoever is found guilty.

She said: “The NDLEA is following every lead professionally and will exploit more opportunities towards getting every culprit arrested.
“We have also expanded the scope of our investigation and everyone involved in this illegal importation of narcotics shall be diligently prosecuted.

“The agency will continue to uphold the rule of law and dislodge drug trafficking organisations in the country.
“NDLEA will not compromise its high standards. We are working very hard with international and local collaborators in projecting the image of Nigeria in drug control programmes.

“Any attempt by any person or group of persons to sabotage this great achievement shall be resisted. Probity and strict law enforcement shall be sustained.”

Credit: Thisday

NDLEA Decries Death Sentence On Nigerian In Malaysia

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mrs. Roli Bode-George, has decried the death sentence passed on a Nigerian, Ekene Collins Isaac, by a Malaysian High Court.

Ekene, 37, was found guilty of smuggling 915.6g of methamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy or MDMA, into Malaysia three years ago.

The High Court judge, Datuk Wan Afrah Wan Ibrahim, said the prosecution had proven Isaac’s guilt beyond doubt as she passed down the death sentence.

A statement by the Head, Public Affairs of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, said Roli, however, promised that diplomatic efforts would be explored to save the convict and assured Nigerians that the agency would maintain total alertness in drug detection operation all through the year.

She gave the assurance while speaking on the discovery of drugs in tin packs and arrest of a suspected drug trafficker on Boxing Day at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos with substances that tested positive to cocaine on his way from Brazil. The drug packed in six wraps weighing 120 grammes was inserted into his anus.

The second suspect wanted to export a consignment containing 1.860kg of methamphetamine sealed in tin tomato paste to South Africa when he was arrested.

“The Nigerian government will work to protect every citizen from untimely death resulting from drug trafficking and drug abuse. We shall remain vigilant at all times and prevent drug trafficking syndicates from smuggling narcotic drugs in and out of the country. While respecting the laws of other countries, the federal government will explore diplomatic means to prevent capital punishment on citizens,” George said.

Credit: Thisday

25-Year-Old Gets Four Years For Dealing In Cocaine

Posted on December 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 25-year-old man, Dapo Sunday, has been sentenced to a prison term of four years for dealing in cocaine and heroin.

Sunday was convicted and sentenced on Friday on two counts bordering on the offence by Justice C.J. Aneke of a Federal High Court in Lagos State.

His conviction and sentence came after he had pleaded guilty to the charges preferred against him by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency.

The agency had told the court that Sunday was apprehended on May 25, 2015, at Amatua Market, Fagba-Ifako, Agege, Lagos, with 8.5 grams of cocaine and 15.8 grams of heroin.

The NDLEA prosecutor, J. I. Aernan, had said, “The offences are contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap. N30, Law of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.”

In proving his case, Aernan had tendered the seized illicit drugs, the convict’s confessional statement, and other exhibits which were admitted by the court.

In his judgment, Aneke said the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubts and sentenced Sunday to a prison term of four years on each count to run concurrently.

Court Bars NDLEA, AGF From Seizing Kashamu’s Properties

Posted on December 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Federal High Court in Lagos on Tuesday restrained the Federal Government from seizing Senator Buruji Kashamu’s properties over drug trafficking allegations.

Justice Ibrahim Buba held that it would amount to abuse of powers for the respondents to infringe on Kashamu’s property rights without following due process.

The judge, therefore, barred the Attorney-General of the Federation Abubakar Malami (SAN) and the National Drug Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) from violating the senator’s rights to own property.

Kashamu had sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining NDLEA and the AGF from taking possession of his assets.

Roli Bode George Becomes Acting Chairman Of NDLEA

Posted on November 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Roli Bode George, the wife of PDP Chieftain, Bode George has assumed office as the acting Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA. Her appointment comes after the former chairman of the anti-drug agency Ahmadu Giade retired from office on Wednesday November 25th after serving the agency for 10 years.

Giade handed over to the Roli Bode-George in a parade at the Ikoyi headquarters, Lagos. Roli was appointed DG of the agency in June 2014 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

NDLEA Arrests Drug Baron, Intercepts 576kg Of Narcotics

Posted on November 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug baron, Tochukwu Ubah, alleged to be coordinating a large volume of methamphetamine and ephedrine distribution in the country.

This was contained in a statement issued by Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, in Lagos on Sunday.

The loud speakers in which the cocaine was neatly concealed

The statement said Ubah was arrested by the agency’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) at the old local section of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos upon arrival from Enugu.

“He was apprehended after intense undercover operations in connection with illegal exportation of 576kgs of narcotics to Durban, South Africa through Apapa Port.

“The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil,” it said.

According to the statement, preliminary investigations by the NDLEA revealed that the suspect is also known as Etochukwu Alaek Weubah and Eto Ubah.

It alleged that the 42-year-old had a company, Visoch Resources Limited, which he used as a cover for his clandestine drug business.

The statement said: “Although the surveillance report indicates that he is a major player in drug smuggling, Ubah hides under the cover of floor tile business.

“Apart from the seized drugs, other items in the consignment include maize, vegetables, palm oil, malt drinks, seasoning, noodles and cereals.

The statement quoted the SET commander, Mr Sunday Zirangey, as saying that Ubah’s arrest took place simultaneously with the interception of the consignment of drugs to South Africa.

“He was immediately taken to the Port to witness the search operations.

“The methamphetamine was hidden inside packs of Golden Morn Cereals and Indomie Noodles while the ephedrine was concealed among gallons of palm oil,” Zirangey was quoted as saying.

The statement said that the Chairman of the NDLEA, Mr Ahmadu Giade, described the arrest as another milestone achievement in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics.

Giade was quoted as saying: “This operation has again validated the importance of intelligence gathering and management in drug control.

“The arrest of Tochukwu is a product of painstaking surveillance and another milestone success in the fight against drugs.

“This seizure is a confirmation that criminal investments will always go down the drain.”

The statement said the suspect who hails from Abia state would soon be charged to court.

Credit : PM News

Kashamu’s Drug Case: Judge Vows Not To ‘Hands Off’

Posted on November 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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A judge of the Federal High Court in Lagos, Justice Ibrahim Buba, has refused to disqualify himself from adjudicating on a suit filed by Senator Buruji Kashamu.

Senator Kashamu wants the court to restrain the Federal Government from seizing his properties over drug trafficking allegations.

He sought an order of perpetual injunction restraining the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Attorney-General of the Federation from taking possession of his properties

‘Hands Off’

Justice Buba had earlier restrained the NDLEA from arresting or extraditing Kashamu to the United States of America, where he is allegedly wanted.

But the NDLEA asked the judge to ‘hands off’ the trial.? It said since Justice Buba, on June 23, reaffirmed a May 27 order by Justice Okon Abang of the same court stopping Kashamu’s arrest, he might not be fair in the case.

The Agency claimed the injunction amounted to preventing federal agencies from discharging their constitutional duties.

The NDLEA also asked the judge to withdraw from the case on the basis that he might not reach a different conclusion in the fresh case having ruled in Kashamu’s favour once.

It requested that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge.

Refusing the application, Justice Buba said he would not shy away from deciding a case merely because of an unsubstantiated accusation of bias.? He dismissed the application, saying it lacked merit.

Meanwhile, Senator Kashamu has alleged that there was a move by the NDLEA and AGF to seize his property, including a 24-flat housing estate at Egbe and several hectares of land on Lekki Peninsula, Lagos.

According to him, he acquired the property, which he said was worth 20 billion Naira, by dint of hard work and through his legitimate business.

He said contrary to the NDLEA’s claims, the property were not proceeds of drug trafficking.

Mr Kashamu’s application would be heard by the court on Wednesday.

Credit : ChannelsTV

NDLEA Impounds Bullion Vans Used For Transporting Marijuana

Posted on November 5, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Ogun State Command of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, on Wednesday seized two purposely-built bullion vans and a Ford bus loaded with bags and parcels of Cannabis popularly known as Indian hemp.

The state commander of NDLEA, Bala Fagge told journalists in Abeokuta that the two vans, Nissan and Mitsubishi brands, with number plates FKJ 731 XQ and LSR 837 XR respectively, were impounded at Ijebu Igbo area of the state.

He said occupants of the vehicles abandoned them after realizing that NDLEA operatives were closing in on them.

He said parcels of the illicit drug were cleverly concealed inside false compartments built by the suspects inside the vans.

“One could have waved on such bullion vans if one had seen them on the road. No one would have thought that bags of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp) could be hidden inside the vans,” Mr. Fagge said.

He said the owner of the Ford bus, with number plate SMK 707 XF, was arrested at Ilara, a border town located in Imeko Afon Local Government area of the state.

Mr. Fagge said the suspect was arrested with a brand of Indian hemp called skunk, which is considered more dangerous than the known marijuana.

Credit: PremiumTimes

Fresh Kashamu Suit, NDLEA Rejects Judge

Posted on September 23, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has asked Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Lagos to withdraw himself from a fresh suit filed by Senator Buruji Kashamu.

Kashamu, in the new suit, is seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the NDLEA and the Attorney General of the Federation from seizing his property.

The new suit came after the failed effort by the NDLEA to extradite Kashamu to the United States of America, where he is said to be wanted for alleged drug-trafficking offences.

Justice Buba had on June 23, 2015 reaffirmed a May 27, 2015 order of Justice Okon Abang of the same court restraining the NDLEA and others from extraditing Kashamu.

Read More: punchng

NDLEA Nabs Bureau De Change Operator, Others Swallowing $156,000 In Hotel

Posted on September 18, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of the of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday arrested a Bureau De Change operator and five other suspected money laundering syndicate for swallowing $156,000 (N31, 083, 000.00) at Excel Oriental Hotel along Airport Road, Lagos.

The six suspects were arrested in the hotel while they were busy swallowing the large sums of money with the intention of exporting $156,000 to Brazil.

Speaking on the arrest, the chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said the six suspected members of the group, including a Bureau de Change operator, had been apprehended in connection with swallowing $156,000.

Alhaji Giade further pointed out that the agency would track down suspected drug traffickers and currency launderers in a bid to rid the society of crimes.

According to him, operators of bureau de change who fail to work within the confines of the law establishing them shall be severely sanctioned.

Read More: vanguardngr

We hid cocaine in Arik flight meals – Attendant’s accomplice

Posted on August 28, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Thursday said it had apprehended another employee of Arik Air, Ikechukwu Chibuzor Oliver, for his alleged involvement in the smuggling of 20kg cocaine to London on Monday.

According to the NDLEA, Oliver had confessed to the crime and had revealed that he charged N400,000 for each of the three bags containing the substance.

Oliver, Arik Air’s employee in the catering department, was said to have assisted Chika Egwu Udensi to get the cocaine onboard the London-bound Flight W3101 on which Udensi arrived in the UK on Monday night.

Udensi, a senior flight attendant with the airline was arrested with the substance by the UK Border Force at the Heathrow Airport, London, shortly after the Airbus A330 landed.

The NDLEA, in a statement, said 35 years old Oliver, who is a catering loader at Arik, was found to have subverted airport security by concealing cocaine in catering supplies.

The statement by the anti-narcotics agency’s spokesman, Mitchell Ofoyeju, indicated that preliminary investigation had revealed that both Oliver and Udensi had been infiltrated by a suspected drug cartel.

Ofoyeju said Oliver had told narcotic investigators that he was brought into the illicit drug deal by Udensi.

The NDLEA’s statement quoted Oliver to have said, “It was Chika that introduced me into the drug deal. Whenever Chika gives me the drug, I will hide it in catering supplies. Chika knows where to collect the drug inside the flight. They pay me N400,000 per bag. I was expecting N1.2m for the three bags that I smuggled into the aircraft.”

The statement added,“The 20kg of cocaine found with Chika in London was concealed within the construction of laptop bags. The quantity and estimated street value of the cocaine is over N100m.

“The latest Range Rover (Land Rover) car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.

“As part of investigation, the rented apartment of Chika on Pastor Ojediran Street Ejigbo, Lagos was searched by operatives of the NDLEA. He lives there with the mother and siblings while his wife and children are based in Canada.”

Oliver hails from the Isialagwa North Local Government Area of Abia State. The graduate of Business Administration was employed by Arik Air in 2009.

Meanwhile, the NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Ahmadu Giade, has directed that, henceforth, all airport workers must be extensively screened.

Giade said, “The agency has taken drastic measures to avert infiltration of airport workers by criminal syndicates. Airline officials and airport workers shall be subjected to comprehensive search. The NDLEA will resist any act capable of undermining security at all entry and exit points.”

The NDLEA boss stressed that all catering trucks, luggage trucks, aviation fuel tankers, machines and personnel whose duty directly or indirectly related to the tarmac and flight operations would be subjected to full screening.

Following Udensi’s arrest, operatives of the agency had on Wednesday besieged and occupied his Lagos house. The NDLEA stormed the house after they had interrogated pilots and flight attendants in the flight that left the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

–Punch

NDLEA Occupies Arik Attendant’s House, Grills Co-workers

Posted on August 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Wednesday stormed and occupied the Lagos house of Chika Egwu Udensi, a crew member of the Arik Air flight W3101, who was arrested with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine at the London Heathrow Airport.

The NDLEA moved to the house after they had interrogated pilots and flight attendants of the flight that left the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for London on Monday night. The interrogation lasted for several hours at the NDLEA head office in Lagos.

It was gathered that soon after the interrogation, the NDLEA moved to the suspect’s house in the Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

A source, who did not say if there were occupants in the house, told one of our correspondents that the NDLEA men were “currently occupying the house, and we will not leave here until we get all the

evidence that we want.”

It was gathered that although the operatives had seized the suspect’s Range Rover, the NDLEA was still of the opinion that Udensi had other property.

The source said, ‘We are investigating if he has other property in Lagos or elsewhere. Some of them (suspected drug courier) live simple lives, but have other valuables stashed everywhere. We are searching for incriminating documents.”

On the interrogation, the NDLEA in a statement said the entire crew members including some support staff that worked on the flight before it departed Lagos appeared before narcotic investigators at the Ikoyi headquarters of the agency.

They include two pilots and members of the cabin crew comprising an Australian and a South African.

The statement by the NDLEA spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, read in part, “The invitation which was made by the agency was swiftly complied with by the management of Arik Air.

“The crew members were conveyed to the NDLEA office in an official bus belonging to Arik Air. This is part of ongoing investigation to determine their level of involvement in the smuggling of 20 kg of cocaine found with Chika Egwu Udensi, a member of the cabin crew in London.

“The latest Range Rover car belonging to the prime suspect parked on the airline’s premises had also been moved to the NDLEA office as exhibit.”

Ofoyeju also confirmed to one of our correspondents that the operatives went to the attendant’s house, adding, “Wait till tomorrow (Thursday). We will make a comprehensive statement on it.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, was said to have promised to carry out an elaborate investigation into the ongoing case, stressing that all persons involved would be exposed and prosecuted.

“The agency has made remarkable progress in it counter-narcotic efforts and will resist any act capable of reversing the gains so far recorded,” he said.

However, findings by our correspondent revealed that the NDLEA and other aviation security officials were seriously grilling an Arik staff member working in the catering department who is believed to have assisted the suspect.

Security officials, it was learnt, believed that the suspect was assisted by some staff members of Arik catering department to move the 20 kilogrammes of cocaine into the aircraft.

One of the top security officials, who spoke to our correspondent under the condition of anonymity, said, “Security officials believe strongly that the 20kgs of cocaine might have been moved into the aircraft through the Arik’s catering department. There is a prime suspect in that department that is being interrogated specially.

“Normally, staff members of the catering department carrying foods from the airline office to the aircraft are not usually screened. Officials believe the bags containing the 20kgs of cocaine may have been taken through this route.”

“The reason for this is that there is a machine that searches the cabin crew members at the airline’s office before they go to the airport terminal to board the plane. So if the suspect carried it himself, he may have been caught. A major suspect in the catering department is going through series of interrogation.”

Source: Vanguard

NDLEA Probes Arik Attendant Caught With N105m Cocaine

Posted on August 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

NDLEA’s operatives on Tuesday night stormed the headquarters of Arik Air in Ikeja Lagos following the arrest in London of a crew member of the airline for allegedly being in possession of cocaine.

The Arik crew member, identified by the anti-narcotics agency as Chika Egwu Udensi, was arrested on Monday night by operatives of the United Kingdom Border Force with 20 kilogrammes of cocaine in London.

The NDLEA agents were said to have searched Udensi’s latest Range Rover parked on the airline’s premises. Spokesman for the agency, Mitchel Ofoyeju, confirmed the visit by the NDLEA’s operatives.

Read More: punchng

N2.8 Billion Worth Of Drugs Seized At Lagos Airport- NDLEA

Posted on August 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that it seized narcotic drugs weighing 455.215 kilogrammes between January and June this year at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said that the drugs, whose street value is estimated at N2.8 billion, was seized alongside US$2.5 million cash.

According to the NDLEA,? 75 suspected drug traffickers and money launderers – 62 males and 13 females – were arrested in connection with the seizures.

“The intercepted money includes $2.1 million dollars seized from a bureau de change operator which had been transferred to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation,” the anti-narcotics agency said in the statement issued by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its spokesperson.

“Fifteen (15) arrests were recorded on Emirates airline being the most preferred flight for those apprehended. Qatar airways had eleven (11) arrests, Ethiopian airline followed closely with eight (8) arrests and Etihad airways seven (7) arrests.”

Read More: premiumtimesng

We Will Give It All It Takes To Extradite Kashamu To The US – NDLEA

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on Friday said is continuing moves to extradite a financier of the Peoples Democratic Party in the South-West, Mr. Buruji Kashamu, to the United States for alleged drug-related offences.

Kashamu is a senator representing Ogun-East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

The anti-narcotics agency said it is appealing the various orders and court injunctions granted the senator, which are preventing his arrest and extradition.

The NDLEA had been at daggers drawn with Kashamu over a claim by the agency that it received a
request from the American government seeking the extradition of the PDP leader to answer drug-related charges.

The agency, in what it tagged, ‘house arrest’, had deployed its operatives in the Lekki, Lagos, residence of the politician for six days before they were withdrawn, following a court order.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had, in separate rulings, restrained the NDLEA and any other agencies in the country from unlawfully arresting and forcefully extraditing the Ijebu-born politician to the US.

Speaking to Sunday Punch on Friday, the Head of Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency had approached the courts to vacate all orders granted Kashamu. He stated that the agency would follow all legal means to ensure that Kashamu was extradited.

Ofoyeju said, “He (Kashamu) went to court to seek several orders. We have appealed those orders. The matters have not been determined. We are in court.”

The NDLEA spokesman explained that Kashamu had built several legal walls to prevent the agency from arresting to him.

“For instance, the warrant of arrest we obtained from the court, he set it aside (through a court). Then, the suit the Attorney-General of the Federation filed; the motion for his extradition, he also went to court to set it aside. The AGF is appealing that order and we are appealing ours. The cases are already in court.”

Ofoyeju said the NDLEA was not to witch-hunt Kashamu, claiming that the agency had been requested by the American government to extradite him.

He said, “We have the formal request from the United States,’ asking for his extradition. We have that and we went to obtain a warrant of arrest which he got an order to set aside. He got so many court orders; we are now appealing those orders to enable us to follow due process.

“We cannot use the legal process to impede his extradition process. If he says he believes in the rule of law, we are going to follow it up to a logical conclusion.”

Davido Reacts To NDLEA’s Plan To Investigate His “Fan Mi” Music Video

Posted on July 14, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Reports have it that NDLEA (Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency) was investigating Davido over drug charges for the “display of drugs” in the Fans Mi music video which features American rapper, Meek Mill.

It doesn’t seem like the singer is even concerned about the investigation which is currently ongoing.

Hours ago a fan asked him, “what’s up with the NDLEA investigation bro?” , to which he simply replied with an unbothered, “Nothing”.

NDLEA Arraigns Drug Baron, Two Others In Court

Posted on June 30, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Monday arraigned a drug baron, Ikejiaku Sylvester Chukwunwe, before a Federal High Court in Awka.

Chukwunwe, who was described as the most wanted drug trafficker in Anambra, was arraigned on 13 count charges. Also dragged to court by the agency were Oluchi Nduaguba and John Atuenyi.

However, the trio pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them by the prosecutor.

Chukwunwe was charged for conspiracy to form and operate a drug trafficking organisation to process and export Methamphetamine; a drug similar to cocaine and heroine by using couriers and cargoes.

He was charged for unlawfully engaging in the organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation by the production and exportation of methamphetamine.

He was also charged to have conspired to convert the proceeds of illicit traffic in narcotic and psychotropic substances into legitimate enterprises between 2010 and 2015.

Prosecuting counsel Lambert Nor said the offences contravened Section 18(a) of Money Laundering Act, 2011, and punishable under Section 15(1) and (2).

Accordingly, he was charged for converting the proceeds directly from the illicit traffic in narcotic substances into real property and physical assets in different locations in Lagos and Anambra.

The other accused persons; Oluchukwu Nduaguba and John Atuenyi, were charged differently on six count charges on the same matter.

The defence counsels, Chief Benson Ndakara and Emmanuel Okenyi, made applications for their bail, but the prosecuting counsel opposed it.

After hearing from both the defence and prosecuting counsels, Justice Isa Gafai adjourned the ruling for their bail application to July 1.

Gafai, however, adjourned the case to November 3 and November 4 for hearing.

Credit: NAN

Notorious Drug Baron Apprehended In Lagos

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 37-year-old man, Sylvester Chukwunwendu (pictured above) who runs a notorious drug syndicate in Nigeria has been apprehended by the officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA. Parading the suspect before newsmen in Lagos, the National Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said Sylvester, who runs a methamphetamine production laboratory in his house at in the Ajao Estate, Isolo area of Lagos, was arrested at Ozubulu in Ekwusigo LGA of Anambra State following a tip off.

“The Special Enforcement Team (SET) of the agency has concluded a model investigation of an international Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO), after 13 months intense surveillance on the suspect before he was finally arrested.”. Mr Giade said.

Sylvester hides under the cover of different company names such as Blessed Benita Global Limited, Ideal Motorcycle Company Limited and God’s Special Enterprise Limited which he owns to run the illicit business which has some international affiliations. He employs men and women who he pays as much as $5,000 per trip to traffic the banned substances to China, Malaysia, Turkey and Italy.

The Chairman said he will soon be charged to court.

BUSTED: NDLEA Uncovers Global Hard Drugs Syndicate

Posted on June 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have arrested a popular businessman (names withheld), alleged to be leader of an international drug trafficking organisation, who recruits and sponsors couriers to China, Malaysia, Turkey and Italy.

The arrest of the 37-year-old suspect reportedly followed the agency’s discovery of three laboratories used for the illegal production of methamphetamine in his home town in Anambra State.

Addressing journalists yesterday on the arrest described as the latest outstanding operational success recorded by the anti-narcotic agency, the Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, disclosed that surveillance indicated that the suspect shuttled between his country home and Isolo, Lagos State, residence.

He said: “He hides under the cover of motorcycle parts business in running a drug cell that has international affiliation.

“He specialises in recruiting and sponsoring drug couriers to China, Malaysia and Turkey. He also pays his couriers an average of $5,000 per trip.

“The suspect has two Nigeria international passports and one Ghanaian passport, all bearing his photographs with different names. Two other passports belonging to suspected drug couriers were also seized.

“He hired one Raphael, who is a professional methanphetamine cook to work for him. He pays him N500,000 for his service and N700,000 for the purchase of precursor chemicals per production circle.

“The production capacity per cycle is 14kg. As a result of the indicting surveillance report, he was arrested in his home country.”

Read More: vanguardngr

Pictured! Two Young Nigerians Get 55 Years Jail Term In Enugu For Drug Trafficking

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, has sentenced two drug traffickers to fifty-five years in jail.

One of the convicts, Deborah Okafor, a 30-year-old professional dancer, was charged with conspiracy, trafficking and unlawful possession of 3.450kg of amphetamine, while the other, Iheme Onyemauchechukwu, was charged with trafficking and unlawful importation of 9.975kg of heroin. They were both arrested at the Enugu airport.

A statement by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said Okafor would have been paid the sum of $3,500 if she successfully made her trip to Malaysia.

She was convicted and sentenced by Justice D. V. Agishi to 10 years each in counts one and two and 20 years in count three making her sentence 40 years altogether.

The second convict, Onyemauchechukwu, 27, was charged with trafficking and unlawful importation of 9.975kg of heroin. He was convicted as charged and sentenced to 10 years in count one with a fine of N1m and five years in count two with a fine of N500,000,000.

Okafor reportedly hid 3.450kg of amphetamine inside the pockets of jean trousers in her luggage.

She told the court that she was broke and needed money. “I had been approached on many occasions to smuggle drugs but I declined. I thought that I could earn some quick money in few days,” she stated.

Onyemauchechukwu said he was recruited in Tanzania by a suspected drug cartel in East Africa. He told investigators that he smuggled drugs because he was stranded.

“I used to sell phone accessories before I left the country. I wanted to go to Malaysia in search of job opportunities but I was stranded in Tanzania. Then I met a Nigerian who gave me money and promised to assist me get back to Nigeria. He offered to give me some money to start up my business. He later took me to Bujumbura in Burundi where I was given 9.975kg of heroin hidden inside cosmetics,” he stated.

NDLEA Chairman,Ahmadu Giade, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.

He said, “While this punishment is expected to correct the convicts, it will equally help to deter others from getting involved in drug trafficking. The agency commits huge resources in drug investigation, arrests and prosecution. Judgment like this will further lend credence to the nation’s anti-drug campaign.”

Source: Punch

NDLEA Arrests Nigerians Travelling To China, Turkey, Others, With Illicit Drugs

Posted on June 11, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 38-year-old man, Godfrey Nwoye, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, for concealing 1.283 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa inside garri on his way to Guangzhou, China.

Mr. Nwoye, who hails from Ukpommili Village in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, said he wanted to sell the cannabis in China and use the proceeds to buy goods.

Another suspect, Samuel Anele, a commercial tricycle rider aboard a flight to Bombay, India, was arrested with 4.892 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, the NDLEA said in a statement Wednesday.

Mr. Anele, 45, and other suspects were arrested for offences ranging from concealing illicit drugs in their luggage to ingesting the drugs, according to the NDLEA said.

The suspects were arrested on their way to Turkey, China, and Hong Kong with 8.876kg of various narcotic drugs.

“The suspects are helping our team of investigators,” said Nsikak-Abasi Udoh, NDLEA commander at the Enugu Airport.

Mr. Anele was caught with 4.892kg concealed in false bottom of his luggage aboard an Ethiopian Airline on the Enugu-Addis Ababa-Bombay route.

“Life is not fair to me. Every day it is one problem after another and the money I earn is not enough,” said Mr. Anele, from Ichi village, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“It was frustration that made me to smuggle drugs. They promised me that the drug has been properly hidden and that when I return they will pay me the sum of one million naira.

“At the airport, my bag was searched and the drug detected. Now I am now left alone to suffer.”

The other suspects, Emmanuel Chukwuebuka, was caught with 1.293kg of cocaine on his way to Istanbul, Turkey; and Eric Ukaeji was found with 1.408kg of cocaine on his way to Hong Kong.

Read More: premiumtimesng

NDLEA Arrests Lebanese Drug Trafficker With Cocaine Hidden In His Boxers

Posted on June 10, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 23-year-old Lebanese national, Yve Awad, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly attempting to traffic cocaine to Lebanon.

The suspect, who was arrested during outbound screening of passengers on Middle East Airline flight at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, was caught with 260 grammes of cocaine.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), a statement by the Head of Media and Public Affairs of the agency, Mitchell Oyojefu), said the information leading to the arrest of the suspect was supplied by FAAN officials.

The NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, who provided details on the arrest, said the drug was hidden inside Awad’s boxer shorts.

Umar, who disclosed that the suspect hold dual citizenship of Nigeria and Lebanon, said: “I am happy that FAAN assisted us in making this arrest. When the drug was field tested, it proved positive for cocaine.

“The suspect holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Lebanon. He was found to have travelled to Nigeria from Lebanon six times since January. The case is under investigation.”

The suspect, in his confession, said a friend asked him to buy the drug for him.

He said: “I was born in Lagos and I attended Lebanese Community School, Yaba, Lagos. After my secondary education in Nigeria, I got admission to study my A levels at Notre Dame University in Lebanon.

“My friend in Lebanon gave me money to buy cocaine for him. At the airport, the drug was detected and I was arrested and taken to NDLEA office. The drug was tested and it was found to be cocaine.”

Hamza added that the suspect will soon be charged to court for unlawful possession and exportation of cocaine, adding that if found guilty by the court, he could spend the next 15 years in prison.

Kashamu Says NDLEA Lied About Notice Of Extradition To U.S

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday said it had served a notice on Senator-elect of Ogun East, Prince Buruji Kashamu for his extradition to the United States of America.

However, in a swift reaction, Kashamu denied being served any extradition letter, describing NDLEA’s claim as false. He explained that a copy of the process was dropped in his counsel’s Lagos office Monday, assuring that it would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The NDLEA, in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju and made available to newsmen disclosed that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation has made a fresh application to the chief judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja seeking Kashamu’s extradition to the US to answer charges on alleged drug trafficking.

He said the agency served the notice of the suit officially on Kashamu on June 1, 2015.

Ofoyeju noted that the application made to the Federal High Court Chief Judge by the office of the Attorney General of the Federation for Kashamu’s extradition to the US was in accordance with the Extradition Act CAP, E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as modified by Extradition Act Modification Order, 2014).

According to the NDLEA statement, “In an application made to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court, Abuja in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015, the office of the Attorney General of the Federation is seeking the extradition of Buruji Kashamu to answer alleged drug trafficking charges.

“This is in line with the Extradition Act CAP, E25 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 (as modified by Extradition Act Modification Order, 2014). The notice of the suit was officially served on Kashamu by the NDLEA on 1st of June 2015.”

Read More: vanguardngr

NDLEA Formally Serves Kashamu Extradition Notice

Posted on June 3, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has formally served the Senator-elect for Ogun East Senatorial district, Buruji Kashamu, a notice by the United States government, demanding his extradition for drug-trafficking offences.

The service was said to have been made on June 1 in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015 with a copy made available to the Chief Judge, Federal High Court.

The agency has been at loggerheads with the Ijebu-born politician over an attempt to facilitate his extradition to the US.

Tens of NDLEA officials had laid a six-day siege to the Lagos residence of the Peoples Democratic Party chieftain in Lekki, Lagos, before they vacated on May 28, two days after a Federal High Court in the state mandated them to do same.

The agency, in a statement, had described the court order, passed by Justice Ibrahim Buba, as “inconsequential and diversionary,” insisting that it was only “performing its statutory responsibilities.”

?On Wednesday, May 27, Justice Okon Abang of a Federal High Court had passed another ruling prohibiting security agencies in Nigeria from “unlawful” arrest and forceful extradition of Kashamu. ?The court equally awarded N10,000 as cost against the Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, for failing to appear in court.

Kashamu had instituted the fundamental rights enforcement action in April alleging that there was a plot by his political opponents, led by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to use Nigerian security agencies to abduct and forcibly transport him to the US to stand trial before Judge Norgle.

He had prayed to the court that the move amounted to a violation of his rights to personal liberty, freedom of association and freedom of movement.

Credit: punchng

NDLEA Finally Vacates Kashamu’s Residence

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Staff Reporter

After forcing Ogun Senator-elect Buruji Kashamu to stay indoors since Saturday, 23^rd of May, the NDLEA officials have finally vacated his Lekki home and its surroundings yesterday evening. According to the Director of Kashamu’s campaign organisation, Mr. Lekan Adekoya, they left around 7:45pm last night. Hopefully Kashamu will be sworn-in today as a Senator in Nigeria, but that is if, NDLEA men do not storm the venue. But at least for now, they have left his home.

NDLEA Obeys Court Order, Vacates Kashamu’s House

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that it will obey the decision of the court of “competent jurisdiction” on the ongoing case involving Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu.

In a statement by Mitchell Ofoyeju, its Spokesperson, Wednesday, the NDLEA said that as a government agency and a law enforcement institution, it has respect for the rule of law.

A Federal High Court in Lagos had on Tuesday ordered NDLEA operatives, who had laid a siege around Mr. Kashamu’s home since Saturday, to vacate the Senator-elect’s house.

But the NDLEA had dared the court, stating that it did not believe any judge would issue an order preventing a government agency from performing its statutory responsibilities in a lawful manner.

“The agency has therefore refused to be distracted and will continue to maintain presence at the residence,” Mr. Ofoyeju had said in a statement Tuesday.

“It is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of law.”

On Wednesday, another federal court barred the NDLEA and other government security agencies from “unlawfully” arresting and extraditing Mr. Kashamu to the United States.

Mr. Kashamu, a prominent member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and the Senator-elect for Ogun East, is wanted in the U.S. for drug related offences.

In its statement Wednesday, the NDLEA said it would now obey the courts’ decisions.

“This is a legal issue and the Agency has windows of opportunities to explore legally in advancing its course,” Mr. Ofoyeju said.

“NDLEA will not violate court orders or take law into its hands in enforcing its statutory responsibilities.”

Credit: premiumtimesng

Court Restrains NDLEA, Security Agencies From Arresting Kashamu

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Reprieve has come the way of the embattled Senator-elect, Prince Kashamu Buruji, as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, Wednesday morning, restrained security agencies in Nigeria from arresting and transporting him to the United States to stand trial on drug-trafficking offences.

Delivering judgment on the matter, Justice Okon Abang, declared that it was illegal to arrest and extradite Kashamu in relation to drug-trafficking allegations from which he had been exonerated by two British courts.

The judge granted Kashamu’s prayer that since he had obtained a judgment in Nigeria in January 2014 barring his arrest and extradition and the judgment having not been set aside, he could not be arrested and extradited.

The judge also awarded a cost in the sum of N20,000 against the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Attorney General of the Federation, the National Security Adviser to the President, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Credit: dailypost

Court Orders NDLEA Operatives To Vacate Kashamu’s Residence

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Temporary reprieve came the way of embattled Ogun State senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, as a Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday ordered operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to vacate his Lagos residence.

Justice Ibrahim Buba, who gave the order while ruling on a committal application filed by Kashamu’s lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, also directed the men of the Nigeria Police to ensure that NDLEA operatives vacate Kashamu’s residence immediately “without a free-for-all.”

The NDLEA had, on Saturday, placed Kashamu on house arrest pending his scheduled appearance in court on Monday.

But contrary to expectation, the NDLEA could not produce Kashamu in court on Monday as the PDP chieftain reportedly refused to yield to attempts to take him to court.

The PDP chieftain, according to the Agency, had insisted that the NDLEA must produce a warrant of arrest in line with the extradition treaty before he can be taken to court.

Also on Monday, Kashamu filed a contempt proceedings against the attorney general of the federation and the chairman of the NDLEA before Justice Buba, alleging that they disobeyed an order of another judge of the court, Justice Okon Abang, directing all parties before him to maintain status quo pending the final determination of the suit.

Fresh Trouble For Kashamu Over Land Dealings

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The embattled senator-elect of Ogun East Senatorial District, Prince Buruji Kashamu is enmeshed in another mess as he has been accused of forging documents for a landed property worth billions of naira in Ajah area of Lagos state, Southwest, Nigeria.

Kashamu, who is also fighting extradition to the United States over drug related issues, has been challenged by the family of Late Chief Ambali Bakare for fraudulently converting about 300 acres land in the Ogombo area of the state.

The family, led by Shafiudeen Bakare, stormed Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Iwe Irohin, Press Centre, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta and disclosed that the family had all documents and will drag the senator-elect to court on the issue.

According to him, “we are here to speak to the world on the fraudulent purchase of our land at Ajah by Buruji Kashamu under the business name of Bukas Kasmal International Ltd. We have been deprived of this land, and we have come to raise alarm.

“When some of those who purchased the land took him to court, the court ruled that we, the original owners should be in court and not a third party. So, we have been making arrangements to revisit the case by heading for the courts to get justice,” the family spokesperson disclosed.

Bakare, who was accompanied by Prince Tajudeen Bakare said a proof of evidence, copy which was given to newsmen indicated that Buruji’s company and others had fraudulently acquired a section of the property sometimes in 2008.

“Some of those whose section of the land was encroached took the matter up, but, unfortunately at the court, it was ruled that the plaintiffs could not take the defendant to court, hence, three years after, we are set to revisit the matter,” Bakare posited.

When our corespondent enquired about why it took the family so long to reclaim their landed property, Bakare declared that, “we remained silence because we strongly believed that genuine democracy is about to begin and we just believe that it is God’s time to fight for us,” he said.

NDLEA Defiles Court Order, Maintains Siege On Kashamu’s House

Posted on May 27, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said that an order issued by a federal court, Tuesday, directing its personnel to vacate Buruji Kashamu’s home, would not stop it from performing its statutory responsibilities “in a lawful manner”.

Mr. Kashamu, a prominent member of the Peoples’ Democratic Party and Senator-elect for Ogun East, is wanted in the United States for drug related offences.

A Court in Lagos had issued a ruling ordering NDLEA operatives who had laid a siege on Mr. Kashamu’s home in Lagos, since the early hours of Saturday, to vacate the politician’s house.

The NDLEA said its operatives placed Mr. Kashamu under house arrest after it received a formal extradition request from the U.S.

On Monday, Mr. Kashamu failed to appear for the extradition hearing, with his lawyers claiming that the anti-narcotics agency did not have a court warrant for the house arrest.

In addition to the court’s vacation order on Tuesday, the judge also summoned Mohammed Adoke and Ahmadu Giade, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chairman of the NDLEA respectively, to appear before him at the next adjourned date.

But in a reaction to the vacation order, the NDLEA said it had not received the court order and described media reports of the judge’s decision as “diversionary and inconsequential”.

“The NDLEA does not believe that any court will issue an order preventing a government agency from performing its statutory responsibilities in a lawful manner,” Mitchell Ofoyeju, the agency’s spokesperson said in a statement.

“The agency has therefore refused to be distracted and will continue to maintain presence at the residence. It is advisable that Kashamu respects the law by submitting himself to the due process of the law.

“The NDLEA wishes to reiterate that his rights like that of other citizens shall be respected and the due process of law followed in this case.

“The agency is prepared to further increase her public rating and goodwill in the areas of suspect handling, respect for human rights and the rule of law. We are prepared to explore all legal means in handling this case to a logical conclusion.”

The NDLEA spokesperson insisted that the agency had received a formal request from the United States Government for Mr. Kashamu’s extradition.

He also said that contrary to the claims by Mr. Kashamu’s lawyers, that the agency has a provisional Warrant of Arrest on him. “According to official record, Kashamu has been a target of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over 20 years and was further indicted by the Grand Jury in the Northern District of Illinois, United States on heroin trafficking charges,” Mr. Ofoyeju said.

Credit: premiumtimesng

Court Orders NDLEA Out Of Kashamu’s House

Posted on May 26, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Justice Ibrahim Bubba of a Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the personnel of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, out of the home of fugitive senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu.

Mr. Kashamu had been under house arrest since Saturday morning when anti-narcotic agents secured his property.

The NDLEA had said Mr. Kashamu was detained to ensure he appears in court to face extradition proceedings on Monday.

The lawmaker-elect is wanted by United States authorities for alleged drug related offences.

Despite the house arrest, the NDLEA failed to take Mr. Kashamu to court on Monday.

The matter has subsequently been adjourned till? 4th of June.

Credit: PremiumTimes

NDLEA Boss Explains How They Got Kashamu, Nicknamed ‘god’

Posted on May 25, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ahmadu Giade, Sunday explained how the agency was able to get alleged drug trafficker, now Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, under house arrest in Lagos.

Officials of the agency had on Saturday stormed the Lekki home of Kashamu, who was allegedly nick-named “God” in the US, and got him restrained therein.

THISDAY gathered that to place Kashamu on house arrest, the agency had disarmed Kashamu’s personal guards manning his gates.

The statement went on to state that as at the time of his arrest, the agency allowed Kashamu’s legal attorneys – Daniel Onamusi and Barrister Oloyede – and close family members, including his wife
and adult daughters, to speak with him and attest to his well-being.

The agency said the house arrest was preparatory to his being extradited to the United States of America, where he would be tried for drug trafficking-related offences.

Giade made these disclosures in a statement issued by the agency’s Head of Public Affairs, Mitchel Ofoyeju.

The NDLEA boss said Kashamu has been a target of both the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for over 20 years.

He said the house arrest is sequel to a formal request for extradition which the agency received from the Embassy of the United States of America pending his arraignment before the Federal High Court on Monday, May 25, 2015.

He said the senator-elect was indicted in the Northern District of Illinois, United States on charges brought against him by ICE.

The statement reads in part, “Kashamu, who U.S. court documents alleged was known in his days as the leader of a prolific heroin trafficking ring based in Chicago, Illinois as “God,” “Daddy,” and “Kasmal,” is wanted to stand trial for charges of conspiracy and importation of controlled substances, namely heroin, into the United States dating back to 1994.

“Kashamu, who holds dual Nigerian/Beninese citizenship, has taken multiple preemptive actions to thwart U.S. extradition efforts such as making fanciful claims that his is a case of mistaken identity, and that his deceased brother is responsible for the crimes he is being sought after in the United States.

Kashamu’s Attempted Arrest: NGO Calls For Due Process

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A non-governmental organisation, One Child One Teacher Africa (OCOTA), has expressed concern about Saturday’s attempted arrest of Senator-elect Buruji Kashamu by operatives of the National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by its Media Consultant, Mr Richards Jude, the organisation said that it detested the manner in which the agency approached the attempted arrest.

It called for due process and rule of law in the matter by the NDLEA, insisting that fundamental rights of the senator-elect must be respected.

“The rights of every Nigerian regardless of his or her status must be not be violated in the guise of enforcing provisions of the law,” the statement said.

NAN recalls that NDLEA operatives visited the residence of the senator-elect Saturday to arrest him following a request for his extradition by U.S. authorities.

I Would Rather Die Than Be Extradited To The US – Kashamu

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Senator-elect, Ogun-East, Prince Buruji Kashamu, was said to have threatened to kill himself if officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) forced their way into his house, yesterday, claiming there was a court injunction against the NDLEA’s action.

Some of his friends who claimed to have contacted him on phone between 7 and 9 am told Sunday Vanguard that Kashamu said he would remain indoors till Monday.

But the narcotic agency explained that the operatives mandate was to put the politician, who is also the Chairman, Organisation and Mobilisation Committee of the PDP in the South-West, under house arrest pending when he would appear in court on Monday.

According to Punch, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), said on Saturday that the house arrest which the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency placed on the Ogun-East Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, was informed by a recent extradition request by the United States of America.

Adoke told one of our correspondents on the telephone on Saturday that the request came last week.

He said immediately his office received the request it was passed to the appropriate organ of government for implementation.

Responding to further inquiry, he confirmed that he was referring to the NDLEA as the appropriate organ of government to take up the extradition request.

“Of course, it is a drug-related offence and the appropriate government agency that handles such cases is the NDLEA,” Adoke said.

The NDLEA confirmed the confinement of the movement of Kashamu to his Lagos residence on Oladipo Street, Lekki Phase 1 pending his appearance in court on Monday (tomorrow).

No fewer than 10 operatives of the agency were said to have invaded the Lagos residence of Kashamu, around 5am on Saturday to effect his arrest following a purported extradition request from the United States on drug- related charges.

They were said to be heavily armed and were ruthless.

As soon as they stormed his residence, SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that some of the NDLEA operatives brought out a yellow tape and cordoned off the area, while others went straight to the gate.

After they (operatives) reportedly knocked on Kashamu’s gate, his security men were alerted about their mission.

Kashamu’s security men at this point demanded the arrest warrant from the NDLEA men but they could not produce any.Based on this, they were prevented from entering the residence.

However, this action was said to have infuriated the NDLEA officials who stormed the compound after destroying the gate.

The media aide to Kashamu, Austin Oniyokor, in a statement made available to our correspondent on Saturday, explained that the NDLEA operatives after they had forcibly entered the compound, headed for the living rooms and began to destroy all the doors one after other, in a desperate move to arrest Kashamu.

An NDLEA source said they (operatives) closed in on the bedroom of the PDP chief who was said to have threatened to commit suicide if the agency tried to extradite him to the US forcibly.

Oniyokor described the latest onslaught on his principal as a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him despite the pending suit against his abduction.

Oniyokor, however, accused a Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Bode George, as being behind the onslaught against his boss, “in a bid to score cheap political points.”

He said he is doing this through his wife who is the Director-General of the agency.

Source-Vanguard/Punch

US behind Kashamu’s House Arrest — FG

Posted on May 24, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Adoke (SAN), said on Saturday that the house arrest which the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency placed on the Ogun-East Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu, was informed by a recent extradition request by the United States of America.

Adoke told one of our correspondents on the telephone on Saturday that the request came last week.

On May 6, the minister had disclosed to one of our correspondents that there was no extradition request for Buruji by the US.

Adoke said this while responding to a suit filed by Kashamu to restrain the NDLEA and 13 others from extraditing him to the US.

“The request came shortly after I spoke with you. It came last week,” he said.

He said immediately his office received the request it was passed to the appropriate organ of government for implementation.

The implementation process involves filing an extradition request before the appropriate division of

the Federal High Court.

Responding to further inquiry, he confirmed that he was referring to the NDLEA as the appropriate organ of government to take up the extradition request.

“Of course, it is a drug-related offence and the appropriate government agency that handles such cases is the NDLEA,” Adoke said.

The NDLEA confirmed the confinement of the movement of Kashamu to his Lagos residence on Oladipo Street, Lekki Phase 1 pending his appearance in court on Monday (tomorrow).

The spokesperson for the NDLEA, Michael Ofoyeju, said the action was to perfect his extradition to the US for drug-related charges.

In a statement sent via email to one of our correspondents by the spokesperson for the agency, Michael Ofoyeju, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, was quoted as saying the operation was in line with the legal process of extradition.

The statement further quoted Giade thus, “The agency has commenced extradition procedures against Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu in line with the laws of country. He has been in contact with his attorneys and will appear in court on Monday.”

He also confirmed that the residence of Kashamu was raided by the operatives of the agency at about 5am on Saturday.

They were said to be heavily armed and were ruthless.

As soon as they stormed his residence, SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that some of the NDLEA operatives brought out a yellow tape and cordoned off the area, while others went straight to the gate.

After they (operatives) reportedly knocked on Kashamu’s gate, his security men were alerted about their mission.

Kashamu’s security men at this point demanded the arrest warrant from the NDLEA men but they could not produce any.

Based on this, they were prevented from entering the residence.

However, this action was said to have infuriated the NDLEA officials who stormed the compound after destroying the gate.

An NDLEA source said they (operatives) closed in on the bedroom of the PDP chief who was said to have threatened to commit suicide if the agency tried to extradite him to the US forcibly.

Oniyokor described the latest onslaught on his principal as a confirmation of the alleged plot to illegally abduct him despite the pending suit against his abduction.

Oniyokor, however, accused a Peoples Democratic Party leader, Chief Bode George, as being behind the onslaught against his boss, “in a bid to score cheap political points.”

He said he is doing this through his wife who is the Director-General of the agency.

“We urge all well meaning Nigerians to prevail on NDLEA, Chief George and his wife to toe the path of the rule of law and follow due process.

“Nigeria is not a Banana republic. The United States being the bastion of democracy, the rule of law and due process, should not lend itself to this kind of illegality.”

However, George, who spoke to one of our correspondents from the United Kingdom On Saturday, described the allegation as a ‘huge joke.’

The PDP leader said he did not have the power to give his wife orders because she was not the chairman of the NDLEA and the agency adheres to due process.

He said no right thinking Nigerian would believe that he was behind Kashamu’s ordeal because his name had never been mentioned before now. He added that he had never been involved in Ogun State politics before and wondered how Kashamu’s detention could benefit him (George).

He said, “I don’t understand what this is all about. How does Kashamu’s arrest affect the price of milk? My wife is not the chairman of the NDLEA, so how can I give her orders when she has a boss? Also, that agency always follows due process.

“I am happy that the NDLEA has issued a statement to the effect that Kashamu’s arrest has nothing to do with me or politics. I do not dabble into Ogun State politics.

“Kashamu is like a younger brother to me and he is not known to speak in such a manner. I am sure it is his media adviser that concocted this falsehood.”

Source: Punch

60 Year Old Pastor Arrested With Hard Drugs Worth N609m At Lagos Airport (PHOTO)

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Staff Reporter

A 60 year old resident pastor of the Eternal Sacred Order of Cherubim and Seraphim at Agodo-Egbe, Ikotun Lagos, Prophet Micheal Raji, has been arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA over unlawful attempt to export of 174 kilogrammes of hard narcotic drugs worth N609 million to South Africa.

Prophet Raji, believed to be a member of a drug trafficking syndicate, concealed 91kg of Methamphetamine and 83kg of Ephedrine with an estimated street value of N609 million in different foodstuffs tied in polythene bags.

According to Vanguard, Prophet Michael Raji was arrested with the drug at the cargo section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) during pre-shipment examination.
A statement by NDLEA says he was found with three international passports bearing his name with his picture

“Preliminary investigation has indicated that the 60 year old suspect Michael Raji is a top member of a drug syndicate operating in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa. The pastor had three international passports bearing his photographs. One of the passports bears the name Michael Raji while the other two bear the name Kadigun Fatah Ola. It was equally discovered that the church premises where he ministers also serves as a warehouse for narcotics,” NDLEA said. Speaking on his arrest, the NDLEA commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar said “I can tell you that this suspect is a smooth operator but we have uncovered his bag of tricks. The drugs were brought to the airport for export to South Africa where it was detected. Investigation eventually traced the movement of the drugs to his church premises where he was arrested,” Hamza stated.

Church Members Of Pastor Held For Drug Trafficking Disappear

Posted on May 12, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The family and church members of the 43-year-old pastor, who was arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly trafficking heroin as he was returning from ministers’ conference in Uganda, have fled.

The Pastor, Daniel Lanre Akintola, is of the Gospel Faith Mission International, Olayemi Assembly, Ipaja Lagos State.

An EagleOnline correspondent visited the pastor’s home on Thursday, only to discover that his house, located at Block 326, flat 3 was under lock. Neighbours said they did not know the whereabouts of his wife and child.

Many of the residents asked about the man of God, quickly dashed into their apartments, to avoid
answering, while those who answered said they did not know any pastor.

His church, Gospel Faith Mission International, located at Olayemi Assembly Area of Ipaja, was also deserted as no person was seen.

Akintola was found with 1.978kg of heroin concealed in a false bottom of his luggage. Akintola was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport (AIIA). Akintola who claimed ownership of the bag containing heroin said that he was returning from a pastor’s conference. He said:

“I’m a pastor with Gospel Faith Mission International, Olayemi Assembly, Ipaja Lagos. I attended a minister’s conference in Uganda. This bag where heroin was found is my bag but I’m pastor and not a drug trafficker!”

NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the suspect who lives in Lagos could not produce evidence that he actually attended a minister’s conference in Uganda.

“Besides, he also did not give any reason for leaving Entebbe, Uganda en-route Addis Ababa to Enugu,” said Ofoyeju.

A neighbour in the estate where Akintola reside, who spoke on conditions of anonymity, said for about a week now, she had not seen the pastor. She said:

“We just moved into this area. I used to see him play with people. He looked very humble and friendly. Everyone calls him pastor; I don’t know the particular church he pastors. His wife has been alone for some time. But where the husband travelled to, I do not know”.

NDLEA Official Held For Allegedly Importing 2.7kg Cocaine

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

An official with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was Thursday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos for alleged trafficking of cocaine.

The accused, Adeogun Ogunyemi was brought before Justice Saliu Saidu, alongside one Adams Micheal a.k.a. Chidi by the NDLEA.

They were alleged to have conspired among themselves to import 2.692 kilograms of the banned substance into the country between January and March.

The court heard that the accused persons committed the offence at the International Mail Processing Centre, NACHO, International Airport, Ikeja.

They were arraigned on a four count charge, bordering on drug trafficking punishable under Sections 14(b) and 11(a) of the NDLEA Act.

However, the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges against them, prompting the NDLEA to plead that the duo be remanded in its custody pending the completion of investigation.

His prayer was objected to by the defense counsel, Chief Benson, who told the court that the duo have been detained since March.

After listening to the parties, Justice Saidu in a bench ruling ordered that the accused persons be remanded in NDLEA custody for seven days and adjourned the matter to May 14.

NDLEA Arrests Pastor With 1.978kg Of Heroin

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, AIIA, Enugu, have arrested a Lagos pastor over drug trafficking.

The suspect, Daniel Lanre Akintola, 43, was caught with 1.978kg of heroin concealed in the false bottom of his luggage.
This is coming just a few weeks after a Lagos-based pastor was arrested for smuggling narcotics to South Africa at the Lagos Airport.

Vanguard gathered that another suspect, Onwueg-busi Tochukwu Victor, 48, was also arrested with 51.5kg of ephedrine found inside his luggage.
NDLEA commander at the Enugu Airport, Mr. Nsikak-Abasi Udoh, disclosed that the 43-year-old pastor wanted to abandon his luggage at the arrival hall for fear of arrest.

He said: “Mr. Daniel Lanre Akintola unlawfully possessed 1.978kg of heroin, while returning from Entebbe, a major town in Central Uganda.

“He wanted to abandon the luggage, but we detected his intention. The drug was carefully concealed in a false bottom of his luggage.

“The second suspect is a businessman who had parcels of ephedrine weighing 51.5kg, which he wanted to smuggle to Ma-puto, Mozambique.

They are being investigated.”

Akintola, who claimed ownership of the bag containing heroin, said he was returning from a pastor’s conference.

He said: “I am a pastor with one of the pentecostal churches, at Ipaja, Lagos. I attended a minister’s conference in Uganda.

“This bag, where heroin was found, is my bag but I am a pastor and not a drug trafficker.”

The suspect, who hails from Oyo State but lives in Lagos, could not produce evidence that he actually attended a minister’s conference in Uganda.

Besides, he also did not give any reason for leaving Entebbe, Uganda, en-route Addis Ababa, to Enugu.

Credit: vanguardngr

Extradition: Kashamu Sues IGP, NDLEA, 10 Others

Posted on May 4, 2015 by Staff Reporter

Prempting his likely extradition to the United States for alleged drug offences, Senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu, has dragged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and 11 others before a Federal High Court in Lagos to forestall such move.

In an Originating Summons brought before Justice Okon Abang, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain alleged that there was a conspiracy between the law enforcement agencies of Nigeria and the U.S to humiliate as well as prevent him from being sworn-in as Senator.

Joined as defendants with the IGP in the fundamental rights suit marked FHC/L/CS/508/15, are Chairman, Nigerian Drug Laws Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA); Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC); Director General, Department of State Security, (DSS); The Interpol National Central Bureau, (NCB); and Attorney-General of the Federation, (AGF).

Others are – the Clerk of the National Assembly; the National Security Adviser to the President; Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC); Nigeria Custom Services (NCS); Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Kashamu is seeking nine declarative orders from the court to restrain the defendants from arresting, detaining or otherwise effecting his abduction upon spurious allegation, that defendants’ actions are illegal, unlawful, ultra vires and a breach on his rights.

He also wants the court to direct the clerk of the National Assembly to accord all facilities and privileges due him as Senator-elect.

When the matter was called for hearing on Monday, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, who said he was yet to see the court processes, prayed for an adjournment to enable him find out which of the agency’s offices was served.

He told the court that the commission was yet to reply to the suit because he hasn’t laid hands on the processes.

Apologising for stalling the proceeding, Oyedepo noted that it would be in the interest of justice if EFCC was given a short adjournment to reply to the suit.

But lawyer to the applicant, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), urged the court to discountenance EFCC’s application for an adjournment, on grounds that the matter should be determined expeditiously.

He argued that there was no material fact before the court to exercise its discretion, adding that since EFCC had conceded that they were served and failed to respond after 12 days stipulated by Order 8 Rule 3 of the court, there was no room for extension.

Aside the EFCC, the NIS also pleaded for a short adjournment to enable its lawyer reply the applicant’s brief.

He told the court that the NIS has not been able to respond to the application as a result of the ill health of its counsel.

19 Nigerians Attempt Smuggling Drugs To Asia Despite Death Sentence– NDLEA

Posted on May 2, 2015 by Staff Reporter

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it saved 20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling drugs out of Nigeria. In a statement Thursday, the agency said since January 2014, 19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics.

“Sixteen of the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu,” said Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman.

“Their final destinations are Malaysia, China and Thailand where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

On Tuesday, four Nigerians were among eight people executed by Indonesian authorities over drug-related offences. While commiserating with the deceased families, the NDLEA urged relevant authorities to intensify anti-drug abuse campaign efforts. “I sincerely sympathise with the families of the executed drug convicts,” Mr. Giade said.

“This is a moment of sober reflection on the illicit activities of drug trafficking syndicates. This brings to the fore the bigger picture of those in foreign prisons, those arrested here and others preparing to smuggle drugs.

“It is a wake-up call for stakeholders to step up their counter-narcotics efforts. Apart from drug trafficking being a criminal act, narcotic smuggling poses a serious threat to public health and safety.”

Read More: premiumtimesng

Despite Death Sentence, 19 Nigerians Attempt Shipping Drugs to Asia

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it saved 20 people from the death penalty in Asia by preventing them from smuggling drugs out of Nigeria.

In a statement released on Thursday, the agency said since January 2014, 19 Nigerians and a Ghanaian have been arrested in Nigerian airports attempting to smuggle 106,914 kilogrammes of narcotics. Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA’s Chairman said:

“Sixteen of the suspects were apprehended at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos while four others including a Ghanaian were caught at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu.

Their final destinations are Malaysia, China and Thailand where drug trafficking is punishable by death.”

On Tuesday, four Nigerians were among eight people executed by Indonesian authorities over drug-
related offences.

PremiumTimes reports that the breakdown of the drugs nabbed from the 20 suspected smugglers showed that 83.08kg was seized at the Lagos airport while 23.834kg was intercepted at the Enugu airport.

The seized drugs included:

89.024kg of cannabis,
9.375kg of methamphetamine,
3.450kg of amphetamine,
2.89kg of heroin and 2.175kg of cocaine.

The only Ghanaian among the suspects, Musa Idrisa, also known as Charles Udenehi, was going to Bangkok, Thailand, with 450 grams of cocaine he had ingested.

Three females were also among those apprehended. They include Chidinma Okafor, a professional dancer, caught with 3.450kg of amphetamine hidden in a pair of jeans trousers while attempting to board a flight to Malaysia; Eze Maureen caught with 6.200kg of cannabis on her way to China; and Alade Muyinotu found with 1.725kg of cocaine and 1.715kg of heroin on her way to China.

Busted!!! NDLEA Apprehend 4 Men Smuggling Cocaine To Brazil, They Excrete 171 Wraps

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Staff Reporter

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has apprehended four suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos for attempting to smuggle cocaine to Brazil.

It was learnt that the suspects ? Ejiofor Eliezer (46), Obah Francis (30), Akpa Sobuzochukwu (27) and 36-year-old Ike Okechukwu ? excreted 171 wraps of drug that tested positive for cocaine. Reports gathered say that the discovery was made during the screening of passengers on board Qatar and Emirates airlines.

Eliezer, who excreted 100 wraps of the drug, told investigators that poverty pushed him to commit the crime, adding that he had intended to use the expected proceed to fend for his family of four. “I live in Brazil, where I work in a supermarket and lived with my wife and four children. Life in Brazil is tough because I live from hand to mouth. It was poverty that made me to smuggle drugs. I took risk by swallowing 100 wraps of cocaine for N200,000 because of poverty.”

Francis said he took to drug trafficking to augment the meager salary he earned at a bakery in Brazil. “I am single and have been working in Brazil for two years. At present, I work in a bakery and my salary is meager. My plan was to give the drug to a friend in Dubai, but he did not come to collect the drug as planned. This was how I had to come to Nigeria with the drug. I blame my friend for my arrest because I would have made S15,000 (about N2.8m) from the deal.”

Sobuzochukwu, who holds a diploma in accounting, also said his poor salary as a cleaner forced him to ingest 26 wraps of cocaine for a fee of S1,500 (about N285,000).

Okechukwu said he did not think that he would be arrested. He said he had thought that the five wraps of cocaine he ingested would not be detected. “I regret my involvement in drug trafficking. I dropped out of school in Junior Secondary School class two and I work in a toy company in Brazil,” he added.

The NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said Brazil-Nigeria route was a high risk path to drug trafficking and urged officers to be vigilant. “The suspects will soon be charged to court,” Giade added.

Credit: punchng