Two cousins in NDLEA net

 Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos have apprehended two brothers over alleged smuggling of 430 grammes of powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine. The drug which was craftily hidden inside shoe sole was detected during the outward screening of Etihad passenger flight to India.

The first suspect, Okechukwu Samson Agwueze, 23 was arrested when the drug was found inside the sole of the shoe he wore during screening of passengers on an Etihad Airline flight to India. The cousin brother Ogbonna Onwumere, 38, who sponsored his trip was also arrested and currently being interrogated by narcotic investigators.

NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr Hamza Umar expressed delight over the seizure. “It is gratifying that the cocaine which was concealed inside the sole of a shoe worn by the suspect was promptly detected. The second suspect who procured the travel documents and facilitated the drug deal was equally apprehended” Hamza stated.

Okechukwu Samson who is a casual worker said that his grievance has to do with the fact that his cousin lured him into drug trafficking. In his words, “I work in construction sites as a labourer to earn a living. I had wanted to travel out of the country in search of greener pastures but I was swindled of my hard earned N360,000 naira while trying to get my travel documents. My cousin, Ogbonna Onwumere promised to sponsor me to India so that I can work and further my education. He invited me to Lagos that everything was set for me to travel and gave me the shoe to wear that mine was old. He never told me there was drug in it”.

The cousin, Ogbonna who is an importer of textiles said that he wanted to use Okechukwu in smuggling the drugs to India. “I wanted to use him in smuggling the drugs because I used my money in processing his travel documents. I was doing him a favour but I will have to get my money back. Why must I sponsor him if there is no benefit” he stated. Both suspects are from Enugu State.

NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Ahmadu Giade urged members of the public to be wary of relatives and friend who make offers of sponsoring them abroad. “Members of the public must be cautious of the antics of drug barons. They are not philanthropists but criminals in disguise looking for drug mules to use in advancing their sinister activities” Giade stated.

The NDLEA boss added that the Agency will investigate the case to a logical conclusion.