NDLEA Arrests Suspect Who Invested N900,000 In Drug Business

After being recently arrested for drug trafficking by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), an electronic dealer at Alaba International Market, Lagos has said he wanted to purchase electronics with the drug’s proceeds.

The suspect, Olewunne Chibuzor Darlington, who is currently under investigation in connection with unlawful exportation of 450 grammes of methamphetamine to Malaysia said he invested N900,000 in drug trafficking in expectation of N5 million profit.

“They told me that I can make N5 million profit if I invest N900,000. It was a trial business for me because it is my first time. I also did it because of my financial predicament. I am from a poor family and the eldest,” he said.

His plan was foiled by officers of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos.

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Hamza Umar, who confirmed the arrest said Darlington was found to have ingested narcotics.

“The scanning machine revealed that the suspect ingested drugs during screening of passengers on an Ethiopian Airline flight. He was on his way to Malaysia but during observation, he excreted 450 grammes of substance that tested positive to methamphetamine,” Umar said.

Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, while commenting on the arrest, called for stiffer punishment for drug traffickers.

He said: “No doubt, stiffer punishment will help in reducing cases of drug production and trafficking. We shall prevent drug traffickers from using the country as a transit point for drug trafficking. It is sad that a businessman will prefer to invest in criminality when there are countless legitimate businesses.”

The NDLEA boss, however, expressed delight that the suspect was caught in Nigeria, saying: “I am glad that we arrested him here because of the capital punishment for drug trafficking in Malaysia. His arrest abroad would have added to the number of Nigerian drug convicts in foreign prisons. We have equally prevented Nigeria’s image from disrepute.”