Anti-graft agency arrest man with Indian Hemp stuffed in ‘gala’ at Lagos airport

dimeji akinloye

March 18, 2015 9:04 PM

An Onitcha market trader has been nabbed by the NDLEA with 35.115 kilogramme of Indian Hemp stuffed inside sausage rolls, the agency said in a statement.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a man with 35.115 kilogramme of Cannabis sativa hidden inside sausage rolls popularly referred to as Gala.

In a statement by the anti-graft agency on Wednesday, March 18, the 33-year-old man identified as Friday Ogbonna, who was en route China, was arrested at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos during a routine screening of passengers.

The agency also arrested David Famolu, 34, and Joy Osamunyi, 26, on their way to Dubai with 4kg and 19.640kg of cannabis respectively.

NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said the culprits were arrested following intelligence reports and intense covert operations by the agency.

“It is pertinent to alert members of the public of fresh plot by drug barons to smuggle cannabis to countries with capital punishment for drug trafficking because of the high profit involved,” Giade said.

Recounting the story leading to his arrest, Ogbonna said his friend in China gave him N100, 000 to bring the bag to the East Asian country.

“When he gave me the money to take the bag containing gala to China, I thought he was doing me a favour I never knew he was digging my grave. After my arrest, I feel bad and regret my action. I am married with a child,” the Onitsha market trader said.

Giade however called on people to resist the tricks of drug barons. He promised to adopt measures aimed at increasing the effectiveness of drug eradication efforts.

dimeji akinloye