Three South
Africa-based Nigerians, among them a mother of seven, have been arrested by
operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, with drugs suspected
to be methamphetamine, with an estimated street value at N374 million.
Also arrested
was a 44-year-old Asaba-based music producer, whose alleged attempt to smuggle
4.95kg of substance suspected to be cocaine into the country was foiled.
The suspects,
who were arrested at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos,
allegedly concealed the substance in security lamps, silicon sealants and
foodstuff.
The NDLEA
airport Commander, Mr. Hamza Umar, said: “Those apprehended are Chukwuenyem, 48
years old, with 21.695kg of methamphetamine hidden inside his bag; Kelvin, 37,
caught with 9.980kg of methamphetamine hidden inside solar security lamps;
Deborah, 40, found with 5kg of methamphetamine hidden inside foodstuff and
Michael, 44, with 4.95kg of cocaine hidden inside silicon sealants.
“Apart from
Michael, who was coming from Sao Paulo, Brazil, with 4.95kg of cocaine, the
other three suspects were trying to smuggle methamphetamine to South Africa
where they reside.”
During
interrogation, Chukwuenyem, a father of three, said he was lured into drug
trafficking on his birthday.
According to
him, “I struggled to feed my family by selling foodstuff. At present, my
capital is so small that the business is near moribund. A friend met me on my
birthday and introduced me into drug trafficking.
“He promised to
pay me 15,000 South African Rand. My children are out of school because of my
inability to pay tuition fee. This is my first time of dealing in drugs and I
regret everything. I pray to be out of this problem.”
On his part,
37-year-old Kelvin, also blamed his indulgence on his poor living condition
back in South Africa.
He said: “I
reside in South Africa where I import and export phones and clothes. I have
five children from three women. My business is grounded and I now live from hand
to mouth.
“A friend in
South Africa gave me the solar lamp where the drug was found. He used to assist
me financially and he also promised to pay my children’s school fees.”
Deborah, the
mother of seven, said she was given the drugs by a man she sought financial
assistance from.
According to
her, “I have seven children and I take care of them from the sales of
foodstuff. I came to Nigeria to buy foodstuff such as melon, vegetables and
other local spices.
“There is a man
in South Africa that I went to request for financial assistance to enable me
expand my business. He told me that somebody would give me some food items for
him.
“When I got to
the airport, NDLEA officers detected methamphetamine in the package given to me
by the man. This was how I found myself in this situation.”
Michael, who was
on his way from Brazil also claimed he was given a bag in Brazil without the
slightest inkling of its content.
He said: “I am a
music producer. I travelled to Brazil to promote my music label and to partner
other producers. I had a successful deal but on my way back, I accepted a bag
from a friend I met in Sao Paulo to take to Nigeria.
“When I got
here, NDLEA demanded to search and 29 out of the 34 sealants were found to
contain cocaine. This is a major setback for my career and I feel very bad.”
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Society