NDLEA intercepts 576kg illegal drug, arrest barons
Adetokunbo Fakeye
Nigeria Narcotic agency, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a suspected drug baron, Tochukwu Ubah, alleged to be a coordinator of a large volume of methamphetamine and ephedrine distribution in the country.
Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju, Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, stated this in a statement on Sunday.
According to the statement, Ubah also known as Etochukwu Alaek Weubah was arrested by the agency’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) at the old local section of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos upon arrival from Enugu.
The had drug, methamphetamine found with him, as stated in the statement was hidden inside packs of Golden Morn Cereals and Indomie Noodles while the ephedrine was concealed among gallons of palm oil.
The statement reads inter alia, “He was apprehended after intense undercover operations in connection with illegal exportation of 576kgs of narcotics to Durban, South Africa through Apapa Port.
“The drug made up of 266kg of methamphetamine and 310kgs of ephedrine valued at N4.6 billion were hidden inside noodles, cereals and palm oil,” it said.
It stated further that the 42-year-old had a company, Visoch Resources Limited, which he used as a cover for his clandestine drug business.
“Although the surveillance report indicates that he is a major player in drug smuggling, Ubah hides under the cover of floor tile business.
“Apart from the seized drugs, other items in the consignment include maize, vegetables, palm oil, malt drinks, seasoning, noodles and cereals”, it stated.
According to the statement the agency Chairman, Mr Ahmadu Giade, while describing the arrest as another milestone achievement in Nigeria’s fight against narcotics said, “This operation has again validated the importance of intelligence gathering and management in drug control.
“The arrest of Tochukwu is a product of painstaking surveillance and another milestone success in the fight against drugs.
“This seizure is a confirmation that criminal investments will always go down the drain.”
The suspect, the statement stated would be charged at law court after the completion of investigation.
