Man Arrested With Cocaine In Lagos

The suspect, 39-year-old Okpue Ernest Ifeanyi came to Nigeria from Brazil for his traditional wedding, but was arrested by operatives of the Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for being possession of suspected wraps of cocaine.

Ifeanyi confessed that he was paid N400,000 to take 59 wraps of cocaine to Nigeria. He said that he decided to take the deal because he wanted to add more money to his already planned wedding.
The groom-to-be said that he suspected someone cast a spell on him, for he could not understand why he jeopardised his planned traditional wedding and dashed his betrothal’s happiness because of N400,000.

Ifeanyi, who has lived in Brazil for a year, said: “I work in a restaurant in Brazil.
I sincerely want to get married and have a family. In the process of trying to make more money, I was given 59 wraps of cocaine to take to Nigeria for N400,000. Now I realised I have made a big mistake. I pray my woman will find a place in her heart to forgive me. I feel I’m under a spell.” Arrested along with Ifeanyi are Okonkwo Daniel Anagor, 26, Lawal Monsuru Ademola, 33, Ogbonna Donatus Chigozie and Okoro Chibueze Augustine.

The Head, Media and Publicity of NDLEA, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said the suspects were caught at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, for unlawful possession of 10.255kgs of narcotics hidden in garri (West African food made from cassava) and luggage. He explained that Ifeanyi and Augustine were coming from Brazil with cocaine, while three others were going to South Africa, Dubai and Pakistan when they were arrested.

The NDLEA Commander at the Lagos airport, Mr Ahmadu Garba, said: “Anagor was caught with 2.810kgs of Tramadol on his way to Dubai. Ademola was arrested with 3.310kgs of methamphetamine on his way to South Africa, while Chigozie was caught attempting to smuggle 610 grams of cocaine to Pakistan. Two other suspects, Augustine and Ifeanyi were caught with 2.575kgs and 950 grams of cocaine from Brazil.”