 |
| The suspect |
The National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded the first seizure of ‘creamy’
cocaine in the country.
The 9.500kg
cocaine which looks like ice cream was being smuggled into the country in four
big coolers by an unrepentant suspected drug trafficker who is currently facing
trial over unlawful importation of a kilogramme of cocaine from Brazil in 2010.
The re-arrest of
the 50 year old at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos has
generated mixed reactions on the adequacy of the legal framework and justice
dispensation in drug control.
The suspect,
Martin Ikechukwu was caught with 9.500kg of creamy substance that tested
positive for cocaine on his way from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Operatives of the
NDLEA detected the drug following suspicion on the four giant size water
coolers.
Further
examination revealed the parcels of drugs after it was cut open. Four (4)
parcels each of creamy cocaine were found to have been industrially strapped
round the body of the four coolers.
In all a total of
16 parcels weighing 9.500kg with an estimated street value of over 90 million
naira were recovered during search at the arrival hall of the airport.
NDLEA Airport
Commander, Hamza Umar who confirmed the arrest explained that the command has
been grappling with the problem of re-arrest of suspected drug traffickers who
are released on bail.
“The re-arrest of
persons undergoing trial for drug related charges is one of our numerous
challenges. This suspect was first arrested on 23rd of February 2010
for ingesting one kilogramme of cocaine and there are several cases like this”
Hamza noted.
Commenting on the
arrest and drug seizure, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade
said that the arrest shows the extent to which drug barons can go in attempt to
prevent drugs from being detected.
According to the
NDLEA boss, “while this arrest reflects the level of desperation by drug
barons, it has also raised questions on the issue of bail for drug traffickers.
Certainly, the accused is unrepentant and has shown no remorse because he was
first caught with 1kg and went back to smuggle 9.500kg of cocaine even when the
first case is ongoing. We shall pursue this case to a logical conclusion and
use it as deterrent to others”.
The Agency is also
investigating the circumstances under which the suspect acquired new travel
documents as well as his accomplices. Fresh facts have been uncovered by the
investigating team.
Martin Ikechukwu
hails from Enugu State. He attended Army Children Primary School, Ibadan, Oyo
State and Government Technical College Awka where he graduated in 1980. He said
that he wanted to raise some money to enable him settle down with his family.
“I travelled to
Brazil in 2009 and was managing a restaurant to earn a living. Unfortunately, I
was arrested when I came home in 2010. When I was granted bail, there was
nobody to help me. I had no option than to smuggle drugs again because they
promised to pay me the sum of 3 million naira. My intention was to settle down
with my family because I am not getting younger” Martin stated. The suspect
will soon be charged to court.
No comments:
Post a Comment