Ndlea Arraigns Five Nigerians, Four Mexicans For Operating Illegal Drug Lab

SAN FRANCISCO, April 25 (THEWILL) – The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned five Nigerians and four Mexicans for allegedly operating an illegal drug laboratory producing methamphetamine.

According to him, the accused persons appeared before the Federal High Court in Asaba, on April 25, 2016, on a five-count charge of conspiracy to form and operate a Drug Trafficking Organisation (DTO) to process and export methamphetamine.

They were also accused of illegal extraction of ephedrine, preparation of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of 1.5kg of methamphetamine; a drug similar to cocaine, heroin, LSD, contrary to NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

“The accused could not take their plea because the four Mexicans claim not to understand English language and the defence counsel, Benson Ndakara objected to the use of an interpreter produced by the NDLEA on the grounds of bias,” he said.

“Lambert Nor, NDLEA counsel, told the court that the objection was a ploy to delay the trial and prayed the court to give the defence one week to produce any interpreter of their choice.

“In response, Ndakara said they cannot produce an interpreter but would accept another interpreter apart from the one in question.

“The judge remanded the accused in prison custody and adjourned the case to May 13, 2016 for NDLEA to produce another interpreter.”

Story by David Oputah