Trader arrested for drug trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested a 42-year-old trader, Tochukwu Umeozor at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, while attempting to board a Qatar flight to China with 1.305kg of cocaine. In China, drug offenders are liable to capital punishment.

In a statement by the NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mitchell Ofoyeju, Umeozor said he was unaware of the death penalty for drug culprits in China.

Umeozor, a native of Anambra State, said, “I sell jewellry and reside in the Oyingbo area of Lagos. My wife just gave birth to our third child and I have been unable to settle the medical bill.

“I also got a quit notice from my landlord and to top it all, my business is at zero level because I have no savings.

“This was why I could not resist the $5,000 I was promised to take the drug to China. I did not even know that drug trafficking attracts capital punishment in China.”

NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said the suspect tested positive for drug ingestion during search operation.

Umar said, “The suspect was intercepted during the outward screening of Qatar passengers to China. He tested positive for narcotic ingestion. During observation, he excreted 71 wraps of cocaine weighing 1.305kg.”

Concerned about the development, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, called on stakeholders to collaborate with the agency in the anti-narcotics campaign.

He said, “It is disturbing that while we are making frantic efforts to prevent the execution of Nigerians on death roll in Chinese prisons, others like Umeozor are trying to increase the number. Let us join hands in fighting the scourge of drugs in our society.

“The agency will continue to protect lives through intensive control measures at all entry and exit points in the country. We equally need the support of all because we cannot win this battle alone. He will be charged to court when investigation is concluded.”

Punch