NDLEA arrests three drug couriers at Lagos Airport

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday said it arrested three drug couriers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja, Lagos. Among the suspect was a 46-year-old man, Tochukwu Prosper Nzom, who allegedly inserted 225 grammes of cocaine into his anus at the airport.
The anti-drug agency, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, stated that the suspect was to board an Air France flight to Paris when he tested positive to narcotics.
Two other suspects were also caught with 915 grammes and 1.225kg of cocaine from Brazil on an Emirates flight. Ofoyeju gave names of two other suspects as Idehen Prince Henry and Ilemena Chinedu Peter. He said, “Tochukwu, who was going to Paris, inserted 225 grammes in his anus.
Two other suspects coming from Brazil, Idehen Prince Henry ingested 56 wraps weighing 915 grammes, and Ilemena Chinedu Peter concealed 1.225kg of cocaine. Total weight of drugs seized from the suspects is 2.365kg.”
Nzom, who hails from Anambra State, is married with two children. The auto parts dealer said he would have been paid $1,500.
“I was drinking with friends when I heard them talking about drugs. I actually volunteered to smuggle drugs because of my financial situation. They agreed to pay me $1,500 because it was only three wraps weighing 225 grammes.
I am from a poor home,” Tochukwu said. Peter also confessed that he too requested to smuggle drugs because of financial hardship.
His confession: “I am from Enugu State. I am married to a Brazilian lady and we have a child. I work as a sales boy in a supermarket. I dropped out of school in Junior Secondary Class 3.
I overheard some of my friends discussing about drugs and I indicated interest. That was how it started. The drug was packed in a bag for me and they promised to pay me $2,500. I am so sad, disappointed and ashamed of myself.”