…as suspect excretes 100 wraps of heroin

By Daniel Eteghe

LAGOS — Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, yesterday, arrested a bicycle parts dealer with 1.7 kilogrammes of heroin upon arrival on an Etihad flight from Pakistan at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Lagos.

The suspect, Nweke Uchenna, 40, who hails from Enugu State was apprehended by officials of the anti-narcotics agency at the arrival hall during a routine check of passengers when he was found to have ingested narcotics inside his body.

Speaking on the arrest, NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said the suspect excreted 100 wraps of substances that tested positive for heroin weighing 1.700 kilogrammes.

Hamza said: “While he was under observation, Uchenna excreted 100 wraps of heroine. He has provided useful information that the investigation team is working on.”

Why I’m into drug business

Narrating his ordeals, Uchenna said he was lured into drug trafficking because he wanted to use the proceeds to settle his debts, adding that the main reason he smuggled drug was because he was heavily indebted.

He said: “I was a successful dealer of bicycle parts until I lost N9 million to fraudsters in 2009. That was the beginning of my problem.

“As I speak, I am heavily indebted to the extent that I am afraid to switch on my cell phones. My brother is also bedridden for three years and they look up to me for assistance.

“I feel sad that I am in this condition. Circumstances forced me to collect N450,000 to smuggle drugs from Pakistan. I pray for forgiveness.”

Meanwhile, Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, said that Nigeria-Pakistan route was gaining notoriety in drug trafficking, warning that any drug suspect who wants to smuggle drug through such route should desist from same as the agency had beamed its searchlight to frustrate the activities of drug dealers.