NDLEA arrests Nigerian, Beninoise, Ghanaians with 1,020.5kg of cannabis
Adetokunbo Fakeye
Marine Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has foiled attempt by a West African drug syndicate to employ the services of fishermen in smuggling 1,020.5kg of compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis.
Marine officers attached to the Apapa Port Command in Lagos according to NDLEA intercepted the drug believed to be from Ghana in a motorised boat on Nigerian waters during patrol.
The five arrested fishermen, which include two Beninoise, two Ghanaians and a Nigerian, are Joseph Akpe, 36, (Nigerian), Gabriel Fokito, 32, (Ghanaian), Zutah Edward, 42, (Ghanaian), Ameriato Tafe, 30, (Beninoise) and Celestine Azarante, 27, (Beninoise).
According to NDLEA , the arrest is the highest single seizure of cannabis made by the Marine Unit since its establishment.
The drug has a street value of N10 million.
Joseph Akpe who led other suspects told NDLEA operatives, “We were given 100,000 naira part payment for logistics. We would have collected a balance of 250,000 naira if not for the arrest,”
Apapa Port Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Nse Jack said the suspects in their statements owned up to the crime and will be charged to court soon.