NDLEA ARRESTS SOUTH AFRICA BASED BARBER WITH N50M COCAINE
A Nigerian based in South
Africa, Ozoh Chukwuemeka, has been arrested by the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency for trafficking N50m worth of cocaine.
The
45-year-old barber was apprehended at the Murtala Mohammed International
Airport Lagos with 6.100kg of the substance.
The
drug was detected during the outward clearance of Arik Air passengers to South
Africa.
NDLEA
Airport commander, Mr Hamza Umar, said the discovery was made at the baggage
checking desk at the departure hall.
He said,
“The drug which was neatly hidden in a false compartment of Ozoh’s luggage was
discovered during routine check on passengers.”
Ozoh, a
father of one, insisted on his innocence. He claimed he was made to believe the
bag contained chemicals.
He
said, “A friend of mine in South Africa requested that I bring a bag containing
chemicals from Nigeria to South Africa for $3,000. I asked him if it was drug
but he said it was just chemicals. He paid for my return ticket.
“I am
only struggling to take care of myself with my barbing business. If I had known
that things will turn out this way I would have rejected the proposal.”
NDLEA
Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said Ozoh’s explanation was unacceptable. “At 45 years,
he should have known better. In any case, ignorance is not an excuse and he
will soon be arraigned under the NDLEA Act as soon as investigation is
concluded,” he added.
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