By Ifeanyi Okolie
A notorious gang of drug traffickers operating within Ondo State that specialize in inter-state trafficking in illicit drugs recently met their waterloo after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), intercepted a Hilux vehicle belonging to Ondo State Government allegedly used in conveying over 316.65kg of dried weeds found to be cannabis into Lagos State.

Members  of the gang who were caught along the Lagos Ibadan expressway on their way from Owo in Ondo State, include two women believed to be the leaders of  the gang  and a male driver with the Ondo State government.

The suspects who were identified as  Olasupo Taofeeq Olabode, 31 years, a driver with the Ondo State government;  Rose Ossai, a 39- year-old trader, who sells  kerosene and drinks and Mrs. Grace Adejo, 40 years, a trader who used to sell clothes.

NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Aliyu Sule told Crime Alert that the gang is  made up of women cannabis merchants and two drivers that specialize in inter-State distribution of cannabis. According to him, they operate cleverly and smoothly using official vehicles as a cover.

“We got the information and have been working hard to arrest them. We must work hard in making Lagos drug free,” Aliyu stated. He added that one driver and two women who are members of the group but currently at large are being hunted by officials of the command.

Mr. Aliu also said the suspects have made confessional statements on their involvement in the criminal act and investigation is still ongoing.

Speaking with Crime Alert over their involvement in the crime, one of the suspects, Olasupo Taofeeq Olabode, a driver with the Ondo State government explained that one Ogidan Kayode, the official driver of the vehicle used in smuggling the cannabis was responsible for his involvement.

“My daughter was sick and I needed N6000 for her treatment. I met my colleague Ogidan Kayode for help and he promised to assist. He later drove his official vehicle to my house in Akure and told me to convey cannabis from Owo to Lagos. That was how I got involved. All I wanted was to take care of my sick child but unfortunately, we were arrested,” Olasupo stated. He hails from Akure, Ondo State.

*Bags of cannabis

One of the female suspects, Rose Ossai, a 39- year- old divorcee residing in Lagos said that this was her very first time in the criminal trade. “I was told that there is much profit in hemp sales. I entered into the trade because I wanted to pay for my rent.

I am a divorcee with four children. I sell kerosene and drinks and I beg for pardon in the interest of my children and this is my very first time” Rose stated. He hails from Ndokwa West Area of Delta State.

Another female suspect who is also allegedly involved in cannabis sales in Lagos is Grace Adejo, a widow with two children. She pleaded for mercy adding that she regrets her action. “I am a widow with two children. This is my second trip to Owo to buy cannabis.

I have realized my mistake and pray for mercy because of my children. I used to sell clothes in Jos to sustain my family after the death of my husband. Unfortunately, I lost my shop and everything to the Jos crisis and I relocated to Lagos where I was lured into cannabis trade,” she stated.

Chairman of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade, noted that the use of official vehicle belonging to the State government is an indication of the desperation of drug barons. According to the NDLEA boss, “this is worrisome because these are mothers with children distributing cannabis to other children.

I urge members of the public to report suspected cases of drug trafficking to the Agency. The consequences of these drugs on the society are grave. Drug barons are constantly looking for who they will engage in their illicit trade and it is wisdom not to yield to their deception.”.