Attempt by four foreigners and a Nigerian to smuggle 1,020.5kg compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis from Ghana into Nigeria through the waterways, has been foiled, following their arrest by the Marine Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA yesterday.
The suspects discovered to be fishermen, allegedly concealed the substance, estimated to have a street value of N10 million inside polypropylene bags containing fish in their boat.
Explaining how they were arrested, NDLEA Apapa Port Commander, Mr. Nse Jack, said the substance was the highest single seizure of cannabis made by the Marine Unit since its establishment.
According to him, “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.
“The five suspects conveying 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.”
We were paid N350,000— Suspects
In their confessional statement, the suspects reportedly admitted to have been given the substance by some undisclosed persons.
Akpe 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.
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