Hamza Umar

NDLEA intercepts N100m drugs from Brazil, Pakistan.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last weekend foiled two major attempts by suspected drug syndicates to import 4kg of high grade cocaine from Brazil and 5.1kg of heroin from Pakistan.The seizures with an estimated street value of over N100 million were recorded in two separate operations at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. Three prime suspects arrested in connection with the illegal importation are currently being quizzed by anti-narcotic officials. A total of 9.800kg of narcotics was intercepted; 4kg of cocaine was hidden inside bed sheets and engine pistons; 700g of cocaine was ingested while 5.1kg of heroin was concealed in a false layer of a luggage.Confirming the arrests and seizures, the NDLEA commander at the MMIA, Hamza Umar, said that the crackdown occurred last weekend when preparation for the Christmas celebration was at its peak. Three prime suspects by name Akakpo Kossi James, 49, and Nwanchukwu Chukwuma Ferdinard, 42, who were on board Emirate flight from Brazil, as well as Okonkwo John Oforma, 38, who had an emergency travel certificate on his way from Pakistan on board Qatar Airline flight, are currently undergoing interrogation in connection with the drug seizures," Hamza stated. Akakpo allegedly smuggled 4kg of cocaine from Brazil in bed sheets and engine pistons. Nwanchukwu Chukwuma Ferdinard ingested 58 wraps of cocaine weighing 700grammes also from Brazil, while Okonkwo imported 5.1kg heroin from Pakistan, hidden in a luggage. The suspects were said to have made very useful statements that are fast tracking investigation.Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the seizures as another victory in the country's anti-narcotics crusade. He said: "This is another victory in the battle to eliminate illicit drugs from our society. We are poised to tackle drug syndicates notwithstanding their shrewd modes of drug concealment."Akakpo Kossi James, a 49-year-old bachelor, told investigators that he got involved in drug trafficking in order to be married and live a settled life. "I have worked as an event planner in Brazil since 2008. I dropped out of secondary school in Class 3.