Nursing mother held over cannabis exportation

A 34-year-old nursing mother, Mrs.
Chizoba Mbonu, has been arrested by
officials of the National Drug Law
Enforcement Agency in connection with
the unlawful exportation of six kilogrames
of cannabis to China.
The drug was said to have been detected
during a routine inspection of cargoes at
the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company
Shed, Murtala Mohammed International
Airport, Lagos.
The compressed dried weeds that tested
positive for cannabis was hidden in a
luggage meant for export on an Ethiopian
airline flight.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the suspect,
requested that she be allowed access to
her baby after her arrest.
NDLEA Lagos Airport commander, Mr.
Hamza Umur confirmed the arrest.
He said, “Chizoba had brought a bag for
export to China. During search, six
kilogrammes of compressed cannabis was
found inside the bag. Also contained in
the bag, were clothing, cell phones, cell
phone batteries and shoes.
“The case is already under investigation.
As a nursing mother with a three-month-
old baby, Mbonu has a choice to be with
her baby during the course of
investigation.”
Mbonu, however, claimed that she was a
victim of circumstance.
She said, “I am a customs licensed agent
with five years working experience. I was
given the bag by a client to send to China.
“I was told that the bag contained sample
goods, unfortunately drug was hidden
inside. I didn’t know there were drugs
hidden inside until when it was
discovered during the search.”
NDLEA Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, said the
agency would intensify efforts in arresting
other persons connected with the
shipment.
He said, “Efforts are ongoing to identify
and apprehend other persons connected
with the case. The NDLEA will not relent
in its efforts to prevent drugs from
coming in and out of the country.”