NDLEA Uncovers Indian Hemp Warehouses in Ibadan

Herb Fellow

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THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered two warehouses used to store substances suspected to be Indian hemp in residential areas in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The Oyo State command of the agency also impounded three vehicles including a bullion van and a truck painted in the colours of a popular brewing company loaded with the substances. According to the command, in a statement on Sunday, the warehouses are located at Adegboyega Elufidiya Avenue, Airport Road, Alakia, and Gbagi in the New Ife Road area of the city.

The total weight of the substances found at the warehouses, according to the agency, was 80.53 metric tonnes with an estimated value of about N160 million. The Acting commander of the agency in the state, Mrs. Ekaete Sylvia Egwunwoke, said that her officers conducted a meticulous surveillance on both locations based on intelligence report received from the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Eight suspects, including one Victor Chukwuka, who allegedly managed the warehouses, she said, had been arrested in connection with the seizure.

"A suspected drug baron, Okpor Raphael, who is currently at large, is the kingpin of the syndicate that specialises in inter-state cannabis distribution. Three vehicles, including a bullion van with Lagos number BQ 257 GGE, a truck painted in a brewing company's colours with Lagos number XL 734 EPE and a Peugeot 504 saloon car used as a disguise to traffic the substance were found at the Gbagi warehouse at New Ife Road, Ibadan.

"Victor, who hails from Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State and seven other workers at the warehouses are currently helping operatives of the agency in their investigation." The agency quoted Victor as saying that his duty was to receive new stock and release supplies on the instructions of his boss. "I used to work as a refrigerator technician in Ilesha, but when I had financial difficulty, Okpor asked me to come to Ibadan to work for him. I receive and release supply of Indian hemp whenever he directs me to do so," Victor stated.

According to Mrs. Egwunwoke, the seizure was the largest since the establishment of the state command in 2003.

The eight suspects are currently being investigated to determine their levels of involvement before prosecution.

Source: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Copyright: 2008, The Nigerian Tribune
Contact: Our Reporter
Website: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE - News
 
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