Drug Suspect Ingests 3.349kg of Cocaine
04.13.2009

Operatives of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted nine suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos over unlawful possession of substances suspected to be cocaine.
One of the suspects, Uko John Ifeanyi, 46, a motor spare parts dealer at Idumota market in Lagos was found to have ingested  136 wraps of substance that tested positive to cocaine,  weighing 3.349 kilogrammes. 
[b]This is the largest quantity of cocaine ingested by a drug suspect at a time since the establishment of the agency. The names of other suspects given by the NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr. Victor Cole-Showers, are Agu Stanisnus Arinze, 35, Anwuluora Godwin, 44, Okeke Obinna Vincent, 28, Uzoaru Oliver, 35, Medukam Michael, 33, Igwenagu Jude Emeka, 38, Uzowuihe Michael Chukwumaeze, 42, and Chukwujama Kingsley Somto, 32.
A statement issued by the agency also promised that it  would continue to secure the airports from drug traffickers. 
Ukoh John said that he was desperate to make quick money and revive his ailing business. Speaking on how he ingested such a large chunk of cocaine, he said that “I am a heavy feeder that was how I could ingest 136 wraps of the drug, besides I was desperate because I was told that the higher the quantity I swallowed, the bigger the money they would pay  me.
“I swallowed the drugs in a hotel at Isolo,  Lagos for a fee of 4,500 Euros. I lost my father, my mother is suffering from stroke, I am married with three children and nobody is willing to help. My wife was surprised when I told her that I was travelling. She asked me how I got money to travel but I told her I will tell her when I return. I never thought of arrest because I was desperate” Ukoh stated.
John who hails from Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State was arrested on April 9, 2009 during the screening of passengers on KLM flight. His final destination was Aachen in Germany. He resides in Ajao Estate in Lagos with his family.Agu Stanisnus Arinze was arrested on April 8 2009 during screening of KLM passengers on his way to Dusseldorf. Upon interrogation he gave reasons for his involvement in the criminal act. “I am from a very poor home, my parents are dead. I live with a friend, things are difficult and I am asthmatic. Life became unbearable for me when after travelling to Europe in search of greener pastures, I was deported in November 2006. The clothes I am wearing now are for my friend, so I agreed to smuggle the drugs. I ingested 88 wraps of cocaine and they promised to pay me 3,000 Euros”. He hails from Agwata Local Government Area of Anambra State.
In accordance with the NDLEA Act, the suspects could spend 15 years in prison custody if found guilty by the law courts.[/b]


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