Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement
Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a truck load of cannabis disguised as biscuits and
cheese balls. The discovery of the drug weighing 3,542.25kg was made by
officers and men of the Agency in Ogun State along Odeda axis of Ijebu-Igbo in
Ijebu North Local Government of the state. Two suspected cannabis dealers
conveying the drugs, Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27, and Uche Enuosa, 33, have been
arrested and the truck impounded.
NDLEA commander in Ogun State, Mr. Bala Fagge said
that the shipment was meant for consumption in Ogun and Lagos States. “A white
Mercedes Truck with registration No: Lagos KJA132XN was intercepted along Odeda
axis of Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government of the State. The truck
carrying biscuits and cheese balls was found to contain two hundred and ninety
five (295) big bags of dried weeds of cannabis sativa weighing three thousand, five hundred and forty two
point two five (3,542.25) kilograms. Two suspected traffickers were immediately
apprehended and are currently assisting further investigation” Bala stated.
Ihenacho Chinweuba, 27 years old, who hails from Nsiala-Ngwa Local Government,
Abia State and one Uche Enuosa, 33
years old from Asaba, Delta State said that they were to distribute the drugs
in Ogun and Lagos States when they were arrested by anti-narcotics officers. The
cannabis was neatly arranged in the inner part of the long containerized truck
while the outer part was filled with more than three hundred (300) cartons of
Biscuits and Cheese Balls to cleverly evade arrest by Security Agents. The suspects
in their statements blamed their involvement in drug trafficking to joblessness
and desire to earn money for the end of year celebration.
According
to Uche, “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 cannabis business”.
Similarly,
Ihenacho said that he was desperate because he is married and had to provide
for his family. “I am married with children. I have not bought anything for my
family this end of year 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 this season. The cartons of
biscuits were to hide the drugs but it is unfortunate that we were arrested and
my entire dream has shattered” he stated.
The acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA Mrs. Roli
Bode-George assured members of the public that the Agency has taken measures
towards a drug-free celebration this festive season by cutting off illicit drug
supply in the country. “Targeting criminal wealth 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 of 3,542.25kg will definitely go a
long way in eradicating drugs from our society. The Agency is processing
similar high level intelligence that will lead to more seizures in the days ahead”
Roli stated.
She added that the truck conveying the drugs will also be
forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the NDLEA Act.
Research has shown that long term cannabis use can increase
abnormally structured cells in the body, reduce male sex hormones, rapid
destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain, reduced sexual
capacity and reduced ability to learn and retain information among others.
The suspects will soon be charged to court and if convicted
could get life imprisonment.
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