India-bound student hides cocaine in sandals

A 26-year-old student, Igwe Ogbonna was nabbed on Monday by men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency NDLEA, for possessing 630 grammes of cocaine hidden inside two pairs of sandals and his luggage.

Ogbonna was arrested at the Muritala International airport while attempting to board a Kenyan Airways flight to India.

According to the NDLEA Airport Commander, Mr Hamza Umar, the suspect wore one pair of the sandals while another pair of sandals containing drug was in his luggage.

Umar said, “The suspect was arrested following the discovery of the drug during a routine search. Officers first found some cocaine inside the pair of sandals Ogbonna wore at the screening area.

“During the search, some quantities of cocaine were equally found in another pair of sandals and inside his luggage. He was found with 630 grammes of
cocaine hidden inside two pairs of sandals and in his luggage.”

The suspect, who was very excited that he was going to India for further studies, said he was only given 700 dollars to convey the drugs.

He said, “I was advised to further my education in India since I had an uncle living there. They gave me only 700 dollars, still, I was excited because I have always wanted to further my education.

 “I was directed to Lagos from the East after my travel documents had been prepared and the bag and pairs of sandals handed over to me.

“The people who advised me also instructed me to wear one of the sandals, so I felt bad when the drug
was detected.”

Chairman of the agency, Ahmadu Giade, said that efforts were being made to arrest other persons connected to the crime.

He said, “The agency is working to identify other suspects who are involved in this criminal act.

“I also wish to state that members of the public should be careful when people offer to sponsor them abroad. Investigation has since commenced and the suspect will soon be charged to court.”