By Oghenekevwe Laba
A suspected drug cartel has recruited a 46 year-old bricklayer to smuggle cocaine into the country. The suspect allegedly ingested 83 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine weighing 2.065kg while returning from Brazil. It is one of the highest quantities of drugs ingested at a time by a suspect this year.
A statement signed by Ofoyeju Mitchell NDLEA Head of Public Affairs Mr Ofoyeju Mitchel made available to URHOBOTODAY said preliminary investigation revealed that drug barons now have agents who move from village to village in search of drug mules, adding that they have several antics which include promise of better job opportunities abroad.
NDLEA Airport commander, Hamza Umar who gave the name of the suspect as Ugankwo Basil Chukwudi said that the suspect was apprehended after testing positive for drug ingestion. “He was detected with the help of scanning machines during the screening of passengers on an Asky airline flight. The case is under investigation” Hamza stated.
In his statement, Ugankwo regreted his involvement in drug trafficking.
“I am very sad over my involvement in drug trafficking. What is more painful to me is the fact that I was lured into selling our family land to travel abroad in search of job opportunities. I am a bricklayer at Alor village, Anambra State. I got to Brazil on July 10, 2013 and all attempts for me to get job was unsuccessful. That was when they sold the idea of drug trafficking to me. Initially I objected but when there was no other option, I succumbed. They made me to swallow 83 wraps of cocaine which was detected by NDLEA officers” Ugankwo disclosed.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency Ahmadu Giade in his Salah message urges members of the public to always turn down requests to smuggle drugs. “Drug trafficking always leads to shame. It is important to consider the shame of arrest, the pain of imprisonment and the risk of premature death when approached by drug barons. The preferred option is to shun drug trafficking and live a drug-free lifestyle” Giade stated. The NDLEA boss noted that drug barons are desperate to use anybody and members of the public must be weary of their antics.
The suspect is married with four children and hails from Anambra State. He will soon be charged to court.