Cocaine Hidden In Whiskey Box : NDLEA Intercepts N59 Million Drug At MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday said
it had intercepted wraps of a white powdery substance that tested
positive for cocaine hidden in packs of Irish Whiskey and wooden
frames.
Both consignments of cocaine imported from Brazil were
detected by narcotic officials at the Murtala Mohammed
International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Two persons had been
arrested in respect of the seizures. The total weight of the
cocaine is 6.64kg with an estimated street value of N59 million
naira.
NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Ahmadu Garba, gave the
names of the suspects as Okwuma Sunday Michael (31), who was
found in possession of 3.400kg of cocaine hidden inside wooden
frames; and Nwajagu Chidiebere James (30), who was found with
3.240kg of cocaine hidden inside packs of Irish Whiskey.
“Okwuma Sunday took off from Guarulhos International Airport, São
Paulo, Brazil, in a South African Airways flight through
Johannesburg to Lagos. Nwajagu Chidiebere also left Brazil in an
Emirates flight through United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Lagos. Both
suspects will soon be charged to court,” Garba stated.
Okwuma Sunday told investigators that he was given the drugs
by a Nigerian who is like a father to him in Brazil. “I live in São
Paulo with my wife and child. I work in a supermarket but my salary
is not sufficient to take care of my family. The man that gave me the
drug is like a father to me. He used to assist me financially
whenever I needed help. When I told him I was home sick, because
for two years I have not visited Nigeria, he promised to help me. He
was the one that bought my ticket and gave me $3,000. I was very
happy for the gesture. He also gave me a bag containing childrens
clothes and some wooden frames to take to Nigeria. When I got to
Lagos, NDLEA officers opened the bag and found cocaine,” he
stated.
Nwajagu Chidiebere said that he was told to bring a bag to
Nigeria and be settled financially. In his words: “I was in my
village in Anambra doing menial jobs to sustain myself. I came
to Lagos on a short visit when I met an old friend. He was very
nice to me because he used to give me money, buy me drinks
and food. He told me to bring a bag from Brazil and that he will
settle me financially to start my own business. That was how I
travelled out of Nigeria. On arrival, the bag was searched and
cocaine was found inside packs of Irish Whiskey. I never knew I
will end up this way.”
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said
that the Agency had intensified surveillance and search
operations at all exit and entry points. According to Giade: “in
preparation for the end of year, the NDLEA has intensified
surveillance and search operations. This is to ensure that no
consignment of drugs goes undetected. Adequate preparations have
been made to prevent drug trafficking and ultimately to enhance
security of life and property.”