Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has nabbed a Cyprus-bound student identified as Sunday Odi, while attempting to smuggle 13.55 kilogrammes of cannabis to Turkey.
The NDLEA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Jonah Achema made this revelation in a press statement made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday October 27, in Abuja.
Achema said the suspected drug trafficker was intercepted at the departure hall of the airport, while attempting to board a Turkish airline to Northern Cyprus en-route Istanbul, Turkey.
According to him, 23-year old Odi an indigene of Ezza South Local Government Area, Ebonyi State was offered admission to read Tourism and Hotel Management at the Near East University, Cyprus.
“During a search of his luggage, some dried weeds which tested positive for Cannabis Sativa weighing 13.55 kg were found concealed in dried hibiscus flowers and stuffed in empty water bottles.
“The drugs were wrapped in little quantities in the bottles which were cut apart for the wraps to enter and sealed back with a brand label ‘Wonder Bitter Root’.
“The bottles were submerged in the bags with food condiments and provisions.”
Odi however denied knowledge of the content of the bag while disclosing that one Emmanuel Ihebekwe, a Nigerian resident in Cyprus was instrumental to the University admission.
He claimed that Ihebekwe had told him to come along with some food stuff and malaria drugs contained in two “Ghana-must-go” bags.
Achema added,
“He said that his friend, Ihebekwe had been his friend of many years before he travelled to Cyprus.
“He said that he had directed somebody from Lagos to bring to him at his base in Nnewi the two bags for him to carry along to meet him in Cyprus.
“He said that the bags were handed to him in Nnewi, firmly padlocked and he was told they contained food stuff and malaria drugs.
“He said that little did he know he has the intention of finishing his life.
The Commander, NDLEA, NAIA command, Mr Kabir Taskuwa has warned youths need to be wary of the gimmickry of being lured to study or work abroad.
