A suspected drug peddler has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State for allegedly being in possession of hard drugs worth N1.78 billion.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Anambra State, have arrested a 31-year-old man, Vincent Chidiebere, for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine weighing 25.2kg worth N1.78 billion.
While parading the suspect before newsmen on Tuesday, the agency Commander, Sule Momodu, said the susoect was arrested in Awka, the state capital, on July 28 following a tip-off that the drug would be shipped through Anambra from Enugu to Lagos.
“Based on the information, we set up a team to search vehicles from a particular company. About 11am we intercepted a vehicle carrying the substance and nabbed the suspect.
“The substance tested positive to methamphetamine and the drug, from findings, is one of the most potent illicit drugs in the world, which has a lot of destructive tendencies on the user, as someone under the influence can make disastrous decisions and can make criminals test the nation’s security to its limit.
“The chemicals used for the production are highly toxic and can cause permanent destruction to the eco-system. The waste from the drug is more toxic than the extracted substance.
“The people around where it is being produced are likely to be exposed to cancer and other incurable diseases, while children born in the area are likely to be deformed.
“Most of the methamphetamine being produced are meant for Asian countries. A kilogramme of the drug is sold at about 150, 000 dollars.
“Although, the agency had discovered three methamphetamine laboratories at Nanka, Ozubulu and Obosi, the commander believed that more laboratories exist.
“The suspect will be arraigned when investigation is completed,” the Commander stated, while expressing the readiness of the agency to fight illicit drug production and peddling.