By Oghenekevwe Laba
LAGOS SEPTEMBER 10TH (URHOBOTODAY)-Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested a 40 year-old bicycle parts dealer with 1.700kg of heroin. The suspect, Nweke Livinus Uchenna whose journey originated from Pakistan was found to have ingested narcotics during routine search of passengers on Etihad flight at the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar said that the suspect excreted 100 wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin weighing 1.700kg. “While he was under observation, Nweke Livinus Uchenna excreted 100 wraps of heroin. He has provided useful information that the investigation team are working on” Hamza stated.
The suspect who is married with a child said that he is heavily indebted. “I was a successful dealer of bicycle parts until I lost 9 million naira to fraudsters in 2009. That was the beginning of my problems. As I speak, I am heavily indebted to the extent that I am afraid to switch on my cell phones. My brother is also bedridden for three years and they look unto me for assistance. I feel sad that I am in this condition. Circumstances forced me to collect 450,000 naira to smuggle drugs from Pakistan. I pray for forgiveness” Nnweke apologized.
Nweke hails from Enugu State but lives in Lagos with his family. He attended New Layout Primary School and Urban Secondary School both at Abakaliki.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade said that Nigeria-Pakistan route is gaining notoriety in drug trafficking. “Nigeria Pakistan route is gaining notoriety and we are beaming our searchlight on it to frustrate the activities of drug trafficking syndicates. The Agency will continue to increase its search and surveillance operations in the days ahead” Giade stated.
The suspect will be charged to court soon.