NDLEA arrests barber with N50m cocaine in Lagos

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the apprehension of one Ozoh Chukwuemeka, a Nigerian barber living in South Africa with 6.1kg of narcotic substance.

The estimated value of the drug is N50 million. It was detected during the outward clearance of Arik Air passengers to South Africa at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

The NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar, said that the discovery was made at the baggage check in desk at the departure hall.

Umar said, “The drug, which was neatly hidden in a false compartment of his luggage, was discovered during routine check on passengers.”

However, Ozoh, 45, a father of one, who had lived in South Africa for 10 years, insisted that the bag contained chemicals.

He said, “A friend of mine in South Africa requested that I bring a bag containing chemicals from Nigeria to South Africa for $3,000. I asked him if it was drug but he said it was just chemicals. He paid for my return ticket.

“I am only struggling to take care of myself with my barbing business. If I had known that things will turn out this way I would have rejected the proposal.

“I have a daughter but I am separated with my wife.”

Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, described the suspect’s action as sad.

Giade said: “This is sad and the explanation unacceptable.”