by Zara Mustapha
A 36-year-old auto parts dealer, Ken Anabaronye, has been arrested by agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after he allegedly excreted 52 wraps of what tested positive for cocaine.
According to the agency, Anabaronye was caught with the drugs weighing up to 900 grammes at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, while preparing to board a France flight en route to Milan, Italy.
It was gathered that the suspect had allegedly passed excreta for four days before all the cocaine wraps were recovered.
He had reportedly confessed to the agency that he had ingested the substance with the intention of trafficking and pleaded to be released before his pregnant wife delivered.
Punch reports:
“I sell motor spare parts, but at present I have no shop and my wife is pregnant, about to give birth to our first child.
“I got myself involved in drug trafficking to take care of my family. I ingested 52 wraps of cocaine for a fee of E4,000. I sincerely plead for mercy. My greatest desire is to be released from custody before my wife’s delivery date,” he said.
The Public Relations Officer of the agency, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchel, said the arrest was made possible by the scanning machine at the airport.
He said, “Anabaronye Ken was tested positive for drug ingestion during the outward screening of Air France passengers at the departure hall. While he was under observation, he excreted 52 wraps of substances that tested positive for cocaine with a weight of 900 grammes. Anabaronye is helping us in our investigation,”
The Chairman of the anti-narcotic agency, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, Said, “Drug traffickers should be handed stiffer penalties to deter others from engaging in the criminal act.
“In addition to public enlightenment, stiffer penalties are effective means of addressing the problem of illicit drug trafficking and abuse. It will assist in the drastic reduction of the financial attraction of drug trafficking.”
