Richard Ginika Izuora
A suspected drug peddler, Mrs. Anita Ugochinyere Ogbonna, has been arrested by operative of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The mother of three was arrested on Friday night after she arrived Abuja via Qatar Air from Sao Paulo, Brazil through Doha.
The Agency said she was in possession of 100 pellets of cocaine concealed in her private part and handbag when she landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.
Mr Femi Babafemi, Director, Media and Advocacy of the NDLEA, said upon a proper search, 12 wraps of cocaine inserted in her private part were extracted; while another 88 pellets stuffed in socks were discovered hidden in her handbag.
According to Babafemi, during interrogation, Mrs Ogbonna claimed she lost her husband three years ago.
“She confessed she decided to traffick the illicit drug; to raise money for the burial of her father scheduled for July 22 in Imo.
“She said one Emeka, alias KC also based in Brazil gave her the drug to deliver in Nigeria; for a fee of 3,000 dollars.
”She said she pushed the wraps of cocaine into her private part; after her attempts to swallow the pellets failed,” said the spokesman.
The suspect on further interrogation was discovered to operate a shop where she sells African foodstuffs in Brazil, and that she left her three young children with a Kenyan lady to embark on the trip.
Director Genera of the Agency, Mohammed Buba Marwa, commended those in the Directorate of Investigations and Operations (DOGI); attached to the courier firms for their diligence and commitment to work.
“Let me again commend all the gallant and vigilant officers and men in these commands and DOGI; for their resilience and commitment to the mandate President Muhammadu Buhari has given us in the agency.
“This in which is to rid our towns, communities, and even forests of illicit drugs and the criminal elements profitting from the unconscionable trade.
“With the recent launch of the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), we must all aim for the ultimate goal of winning this battle sooner than expected. We can and we must,” he said.