The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a 38 year-old mother of two children, Obudike Faith Ndidiamaka with 1.155kgs of cannabis hidden in melon at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.
According to NDLEA, she was arrested by anti-narcotic officers during outward screening of passengers on Kenyan Airways flight to China.
The arrest, NDLEA said saved the mother of two from execution in China where drug trafficking attracts capital punishment.
Chief Executive of the Agency, Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, who condemned her action, said that the agency needs fund to embark on aggressive anti-drug public enlightenment.
According to Abdallah, “it is sad that while government is worried over the number of Nigerians on death row in other nations, a mother of two children is still smuggling drugs to China where drug trafficking is punishable by death. Her arrest here has saved the country from embarrassment. It has equally prevented her family from the pain of losing a loved one under the circumstance. The NDLEA will not relent in saving lives and promoting the image of Nigeria”.
The Chairman said that most Nigerians in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not depart Nigeria with narcotics.
According to him, “Most Nigerians who are in foreign prisons for drug trafficking did not take drugs from Nigeria. Some others were lured with fake promises of job opportunities by members of drug trafficking organisations only to find themselves stranded and vulnerable to drug trafficking. Those travelling abroad in search of greener pastures must have made adequate preparation for the period they will stay and also possess requisite technical skills. We are planning elaborate public sensitisation campaign to address this challenge”.
NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Ahmadu Garba, explained that the suspect, Obidike concealed the drugs in melon and food stuff
“She was caught while travelling to China with 1.155kg of compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis. Investigation into the case is in progress and she will soon be charged to court” Ahmadu stated.
The suspect, who lives in Onitsha, said that she was contracted by her social media friend to smuggle the drugs to China.
“I am a trader. I used to travel to China to buy my goods since 2014. My WhatsApp friend asked me to buy the drug and take to China. He promised to give me a handsome reward when I get to China. Unfortunately, the drug was detected during search at the Lagos airport. I am married with two children” Obudike who hails from Imo stated.
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.