Ex-convict arrested with 24 parcels of imported cocaine in Port Harcourt
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted 24 parcels of cocaine concealed in 12 tyres of lawnmowers imported into the country through the Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA).
Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Babafemi said that a Brazilian returnee, Okechukwu Francis Amaechi, who has just finished serving his jail term for drug trafficking in the South American country, was arrested.
He said that the 45-year-old ex-convict from Idemili South LGA, Anambra State, was arrested at the Port Harcourt Airport on Saturday, May 7 upon his arrival from Brazil via Doha onboard Qatar Airline flight QR1433.
Mr Babafemi also said that preliminary investigations revealed that Mr Okechukwu, who was arrested and convicted in Brazil for drug offences, completed his jail term in March.
The NDLEA added that Mr Okechukwu then decided to return to Nigeria with three new lawnmowers, in which he concealed 24 parcels of cocaine weighing 4.56kg.
“Curiously, each parcel concealed in the tyres of the three lawnmowers bears some unique inscriptions, which are believed to be means of identification of the owners of the drug.
“The two parcels in one of the tires of the first lawnmower bear “O LORD” and “HAVE MERCY”.
“The parcels in one of the tyres of the second mower bear the inscription; “IN GOD” and “WE TRUST”, while the third mower has “IJIOMA” and “186.6” inscribed on the two parcels hidden in one of its tyres,” he said.
Mr Babafemi said that the suspect claimed that one of his church members gave him the lawnmowers to deliver to his brother in Port Harcourt.
NAN
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Education
Plateau varsity suspends exams after killing of 200-level student by gunmen
Mr Ayuba said that the university had also declared a two-day mourning in honour of the slain student.
Lagos
Lagos govt. nabs ten fake enforcement officials
“The arrest was made in response to complaints registered at the ministry by concerned citizens,” he said.
Agriculture
Netherlands, Nigeria collaborate to enhance food security
One of the key initiatives is the Netherlands-Nigeria Seed Partnership, aimed at improving access to quality seeds and enhancing crop productivity.
Economy
Ogun government begins enrolment of 80,000 beneficiaries for FG’s cash transfer
She disclosed that over 80,000 households would benefit from the exercise in 192 wards and 2,681 communities across Ogun.
Education
Shettima urges academics to chart course for secure, prosperous Nigeria
Mr Shettima lauded the contributions of academics to national unity, adding that through their work, a more secure and prosperous country was possible.
Politics
Kwankwaso betrayed my trust; he’s attempting to hijack, destroy NNPP: Boniface Aniebonam
“I funded the party for 22 years, and Kwankwaso wants to hijack it even when he is not a member of the board of the trustees or the leader of the party,” said Mr Aniebonam.