The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has apprehended a student in connection with a foiled attempt to smuggle hard drugs out of the country to Cyprus.
This much was disclosed in a press statement by NDLEA Principal Staff Officer in charge of Public Affairs, Jonah Achema.
The NDLEA spokesman announced that the suspected drug trafficker, Sunday Solomon Odi was intercepted at the departure hall of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while attempting to board a Turkish airline to Northern Cyprus en-route Istanbul, Turkey.
“During a search of his luggage, some dried weeds which tested positive for Cannabis sativa weighing 13.55 kilograms were found concealed in dried hibiscus flower and stuffed in empty bottle water.
“The drugs were wrapped in little quantities in the bottles which were cut apart for the wraps to enter and sealed back with a brand label Wonder Bitter Root. The bottles were submerged in the bags with food condiments and provisions,” he said.
The NDLEA spokesman further disclosed that 23-year-old Odi, an indigene of Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was offered admission to read Tourism and Hotel Management at the Near East University, Cyprus.
He alleged that another Nigerian resident in Cyprus who was instrumental to the University admission, Emmanuel Onyedika Ihebekwe had instructed Odi to come along with some foodstuff and antimalarial drugs contained in two “Ghana-must-go” bags.
“Odi denied knowledge of the content of the bags, reiterating that Emmanuel had been his childhood friend before he travelled to Cyprus. He also claimed that the latter directed that the two bags be delivered to his house in Nnewi with the vain hope of meeting Emmanuel in Cyprus,” he said.
Achema said the victim swore that he did not know the content as the bags were firmly padlocked, stressing that he held on to the belief that they contained foodstuff and antimalarial drugs.
In his statement, Sector Commander of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Command, Kabir Sani Tsakuwa noted that he was worried about the growing presence of young men peddling cannabis and other hard drugs.
“The mode of concealment of the illicit substances is intriguing. We have always known nefarious human beings for going to any extent to execute their evil plan.
“Our youths need to be wary of the gimmickry of being lured to study or work abroad. It is either they are being made to carry drugs from here in Nigeria or they will be used for drug trade abroad. Either way is regrettable,” warned.
