We engage in cannabis business to raise money for yuletide – Suspect

By OKOSUN OKHUELEIHGBE

For Uche Enuosa and Ihenacho Chinweuba, this Christmas and New Year celebrations would have been the best in their years of existence. They intended to break the vault in the bank from proceeds they would have garnered from the sale of 3,542.25 Kilogram of Cannabis Sativa.

Unfortunately for the plumber turned drug peddler, the business turned sour as operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the truck load of cannabis and arrested him and his accomplice as they clandestinely disguised the drugs as biscuits and cheese balls.

Ihenacho Chinweuba, (27), and Uche Enuosa, (33), were arrested with the truck conveying the illicit drugs along Odeda axis of Ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local Government of the state.

NDLEA Commander in Ogun State, Mr. Bala Fagge said that the shipment was meant for consumption in Ogun and Lagos States.  “A white Mercedes Truck with registration No: Lagos KJA 132 XN was intercepted along Odeda axis of Ijebu-Igbo, Ijebu North Local Government of the State. The truck carrying biscuits and cheese balls was found to contain 295 big bags of dried weeds of cannabis Sativa weighing 3, 542.25 kgs. Two suspected traffickers were immediately apprehended and are currently assisting further investigation” Bala stated.

While Ihenacho Chinweuba, hails from Nsiala-Ngwa Local Government, Abia State, Uche Enuosa, 33 is from Asaba, Delta State. They were to distribute the drugs in Ogun and Lagos States The cannabis was neatly arranged in the inner part of the long containerized truck while the outer part was filled with more than 300 cartons of Biscuits and Cheese Balls to cleverly evade arrest by Security Agents.

Confessing to the crime, the suspects blamed their involvement in drug trafficking to joblessness and desire to earn money for the end of year celebration.

Uche, “I am a plumber but due to lack of work I decided to drive the truck. I have no savings and the only way I can travel home this festive season was to engage in cannabis business”

Similarly, Ihenacho said that he was desperate because he is married and had to provide for his family. “I am married with children. I have not bought anything for my family this end of year season. It was joblessness that made me to deal in hemp. All my hope was on this cannabis shipment because I know that if we were successful, I would have made my family happy this season. The cartons of biscuits were to hide the drugs but it is unfortunate that we were arrested and my entire dream has shattered” he stated.

The Acting Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA Mrs. Roli Bode-George assured members of the public that the Agency has taken measures towards a drug-free celebration this festive season by cutting off illicit drug supply in the country.

“Targeting criminal wealth and cutting off drug supply are some of the cardinal drug control strategies to ensure a safe and healthy celebration this season. Efforts shall be intensified towards preventing the supply of drugs to end users. This spectacular seizure of 3,542.25kg will definitely go a long way in eradicating drugs from our society. The Agency is processing similar high level intelligence that will lead to more seizures in the days ahead” Roli stated.

She added that the truck conveying the drugs will also be forfeited to the Federal Government in accordance with the NDLEA Act.

Research has shown that long term cannabis use can increase abnormally structured cells in the body, reduce male sex hormones, rapid destruction of lung fibers and lesions (injuries) to the brain, reduced sexual capacity and reduced ability to learn and retain information among others.

The Head, Public Affairs officer of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell said the suspects will soon be charged to court and if convicted could get life imprisonment.