LOVE FOR MY TWIN BABIES LURED ME INTO DRUG TRAFFICKING – IMT GRADUATE

Oledibe Chiagozie, 37, who was nabbed at the Murtala uhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos, , for alleged possession of cocaine estimated at N41million, said it was the love for his twin babies that pushed him into drug trafficking.

He was arrested while returning from Brazil. The cocaine, which weighed 5.850 kilogrammes, was concealed in his luggage.

Anti-narcotic officials were said to have detected the drugs at the arrival hall of the MMIA, during the screening of passengers on a Turkish Airline flight.

The suspect, from Mbano, Imo State, claimed to have studied Fine and Applied Arts at the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu, and graduated in 2001. According to him, as an artist, he was earning a living in Enugu before he decided to go for the greener pastures in Brazil.

But he said when he could not secure a job and was running out of money, drug trafficking became his only hope. His words: 'I am married with five children. I travelled to Brazil on July 14, 2011, with the hope of securing a job. Unfortunately, I could not secure one. At a point, I was living inside a church inSao Paulo.

'While I was there, my wife was delivered of a set of twins. My desire to see my new born babies and to provide money for the hospital bills, led me into drug trafficking. I regret this arrest because I was expecting 15 per cent, which is about N6 million.' According to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the suspect would appear in court soon.

Meanwhile, the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency , Ahmadu Giade, has directed commanders at the various entry and exit points, to adopt proactive measures to curb drug trafficking.

He said it was necessary because of the get-rich-quick syndrome associated with the end of the year.

He vowed: 'We are prepared to counter the plans of drug trafficking syndicates this season. Our strategies are already in place at the airports, seaports and land borders, to frustrate drug barons. We shall arrest drug barons, seize their drugs and prosecute them.'