Abuja – A suspected drug kingpin, Chike Okeke Eweni has been arrested by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), with a large quantity of heroin worth N4.5 billion.
Eweni was arrested by operatives with 22 blocks of heroin weighing 23.55kilograms concealed in packs of Nestle Cerelac baby food at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Ikeja, Lagos.
A statement issued by NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi on Sunday confirmed the arrest of the suspect.
Eweni the suspect.
He said the consignment, with a street value of over N4.5billion came from Johannesburg, South Africa on board South African Airways flight on Wednesday , June 29 as part of a consolidated cargo that arrived the SAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport.
“After series of follow up operations that led to the arrest of two freight agents, the actual receiver of the drug consignment, Chike Okeke Eweni who distributes the substance for his South African-based partner was arrested the following day, Thursday, June 30 at a logistics warehouse in Ajao Estate, Ikeja.
”Chike who hails from Anaocha Local Government Area, Anambra State claims during preliminary interview that he’s also into fish farming,” Babafemi said.
Eweni with the 22 blocks of heroin worth N4.5 billion.
Meanwhile, in Rivers State, NDLEA operatives on Wednesday June 29 also arrested a 68-year-old woman, Mrs. Celina Ekeke at Obunku community, Oyigbo LGA with 231.2kg cannabis, while one Shedrack Eze, was arrested the following day Thursday June 30 at Yankarfe, Zaria, Kaduna state with 250,000 tablets of Exol 5, weighing 75kg.
Babafemi further stated that in Borno State, one Usman Haruna, 27, was arrested at BCG checkpoint in Biu on Saturday,July 2 with 19.7kg cannabis.
Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, Brig-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) in his reaction expressed satisfaction with the exemplary performance of the officers and men of the MMIA command in the past week.
He also commended those of Rivers, Kaduna and Borno for being vigilant.
Marwa then charged them and others across the country to remain steps ahead of the tricks by the desperate drug cartels. (NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)