The Marine Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested four foreigners and a Nigerian on Wednesday, June 11, 2014 trying to smuggle 1,020.5kg compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis from Ghana into Nigeria through the waterways.
The cannabis which was estimated to have a street value of N10 million was concealed in a polypropylene bags with fishes in their boat as they were later identified as fishermen.
“The five suspects smuggling the drugs in a motorised boat at the time of arrest are Joseph Akpe, 36, Nigerian; Gabriel Fokito, 32, Ghanaian; Zutah Edward, 42, Ghanaian; Ameriato Tafe, 30, Beninois and Celestine Azarante, 27, Beninois.”
Speaking about the arrest, NDLEA Apapa Port Commander, Mr. Nse Jack, revealed that the substance was the highest single seizure of cannabis made by the Marine Unit since its establishment.
According to Mr Jack, “officers of the Marine Unit, Apapa Port Command of the agency intercepted a boat containing 23 consignments of compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa concealed in white sacks and wrapped in black polypropylene bags.
“The shipment originated from Ghana through Benin Republic. Those under investigation include two citizens of Ghana, two citizens of Benin Republic and a Nigerian.
During interrogation, the suspects admitted to the crimes and also that the dried weed was from an unknown source as each of them were to be paid N350,000 on successful completion of the mission
One of the suspect told the unit: “We were offered N350,000 to bring the substance to Nigeria. But we were only given part payment of N100,000 for logistics. We were to be paid the balance of N250,000 after delivery.”
The suspects, according to spokesperson of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell, would soon be charged to court.
