Two major hemps dealers raided by police in abia

A raid by narcotics agents of the National Drug
Law Enforcement Agency, has led to the
discovery of 137kgs of cannabis and the arrest
of two suspects in Abia State. The NDLEA
commander in the State, Mr. Dele Akingbade,
said the two suspects, 35-year-old Fidelis
Ogbonna and 68-year-old Ududem Nwoke, were
major hemp distributors in the State.
Akingbade said a cannabis warehouse run by
Nwoke was discovered during the raid. It was
there the NDLEA discovered nine bags of
cannabis weighing 87kg.


When Ogbonna was arrested, a vehicle he used
for the distribution was also impounded. 50kg
of cannabis ready for distribution was reportedly
recovered by the NDLEA agents in the process.
Fidelis, a native of Aboh Mbaise Local
Government Area of Imo State, said he is
married with three children. He explained that he
could not go beyond primary school level in his
education and it has forced him to rely on the
proceeds of the cannabis business to fend for
his family.
''My father died when I was a little child and I
have suffered. A friend introduced me to the
cannabis business. I use the proceeds to take
care of my family. I also use my personal car to
distribute it to avoid suspicion.'' He said.
Nwoke also gave a similar confession. He said
he had been sustaining his family with cannabis
proceeds.
The suspect, a native of Obowo Local
Government Area of Imo State told investigators
that he has no formal education and is married
with two children. He said..
''Cannabis sale is my only source of
livelihood.''
Officials told Saturday Punch that his son, who
had been assisting his father in the cannabis
trade, is currently on the run.
According to a statement by NDLEA
spokesperson, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the suspects
will soon be charged to court for unlawful
possession and trafficking of cannabis contrary
to Section 11 sub-section C and D of the NDLEA
Act.
He quoted the acting Chairman of the agency,
Mrs. Roli Bode-George, as expressing optimism
that the agency’s anti-drug strategies would
continue to yield positive results in the country.
''These arrests and seizures are products of
painstaking surveillance and the public should
look forward to a systematic dismantling of drug
trafficking cartels in the days ahead.''
Bode-George said.