Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency in Ogun State have arrested two suspected drug peddlers while attempting to sell 295 bags of cannabis estimated at N35m.
PUNCH Metro learnt that the suspects, Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27 and 33-year-old Uche Enuosa, were on Monday taking the narcotic to some parts of the state and Lagos for marketing when officials of the agency swooped on them in the Ijebu Igbo area.
It was gathered that the suspects had loaded a truck with bags of the drug, and covered them with some cartons of biscuits to evade arrest.
However, their gimmick was exposed when the truck was flagged down by the NDLEA team, said to be acting on a tip-off.
The suspects owned up to the crime, saying they took to it because they were unemployed. They added that they wanted to raise money for Yuletide celebration and make their families happy.
Chinweuba, an indigene of the Nsiala-Ngwa Local Government Area, Abia State, said the expected proceed from the drug was his last hope.
He said, “I am married with children. I have not bought anything for my family this season. It was joblessness that made me to deal in hemp. All my hope was on this cannabis shipment because I know that if we were successful, I would have made my family happy. The cartons of biscuits were to hide the drugs but it is unfortunate that we were arrested and my dream is shattered.”
Enuosa, a plumber, who hails from Asaba, Delta State, said he was stranded and needed to travel home for the celebration.
“I am a plumber, but due to lack of work, I decided to drive the truck. I have no savings and the only way I can travel home this festive season was to engage in the cannabis business,” he said.
The NDLEA Commander in Ogun State, Mr. Bala Fagge, said the truck had been confiscated while the suspects were still helping the command with relevant information.
He said, “A white Mercedes truck with number plate, Lagos KJA 132 XN, was intercepted in the Ijebu Igbo area, in the Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State. The truck, carrying biscuits and cheese balls, was found to contain 295 big bags of dried cannabis sativa weighing 3,542.2 kilograms. The two suspected traffickers were immediately apprehended and are currently assisting further investigation.
“The suspects will soon be charged to court and if convicted could get life imprisonment.”
The acting Chairman of the agency, Mrs. Roli Bode-George, assured the public of the agency’s renewed measures towards curtailing illicit drug supply in the country.
“Targeting criminals and cutting off drug supply are some of the cardinal drug control strategies to ensure a safe and healthy celebration this season. Efforts shall be intensified towards preventing the supply of drugs to end users. This spectacular seizure, with the street value of about N35m, will definitely go a long way in eradicating drugs from our society,” she said.
She also said the truck conveying the drug would be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the NDLEA Act.
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