NDLEA Intercepts N6million Worth Of Indian Hemp In Kogi State
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency(NDLEA) has confirmed it intercepted a vehicle carrying 35 sacks of Cannabis sativa otherwise known as Indian hemp in Kogi.
The NDLEA commander in charge of the state, Alhaji Idris Bello said the drug that was confiscated weighed around 1.244.4 kg and worth N6 million. He also added that the suspect, a 40-year-old Boutique manager from Akure by the name Stanley Duru who claimed to be a passenger in the vehicle was also arrested in connection with the seizure.
The vehicle, a Peugeot J5 bus with license number XDA438KTN was intercepted near Kabba junction. This is on the Lokoja-Abuja highway, with the drugs concealed in the sacks. According to Commander Bello, the sacks were hidden from sight with cartons of biscuits, cheese balls, plastic takeaway plates and bags of toilet tissues. Detergent powder was also sprayed all over them to mask the smell.
He also explained that the bus was abandoned by its driver. The driver ran after he saw the men of the NDLEA on patrol. The driver left Duru, who claimed to be an ordinary passenger alone in the bus. He added that the suspect’s claim of innocence would be properly investigated.
The suspect, Mr Stanley Duru claimed he was travelling to Abuja from Akure when his bus broke down. He was waiting to board another vehicle to continue his journey. The driver of the J5 bus then spotted him and offered him a ride. He claimed he was surprised when the bus driver suddenly stopped and jumped out of the vehicle.
