The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Cross River State has arrested a 52-year-old teacher, Onun Ikoli, and his wife, Mrs. Itam Onun, for possessing an immense quantity of drugs: 360 bags of marijuana weighing 4.706 tonnes in the Yakurr Local Government Area of the state.
The state NDLEA commander, John Anteyi, revealed the arrest on Wednesday. The suspects claimed the drugs belonged to a tenant who absconded during the arrest, adding that the agency has commenced a full investigation to bring all those involved to justice.
Details of the Arrest and Defense
The scale of the seizure suggests a major drug operation. However, the arrested couple firmly denied involvement in the illicit trade.
Mrs. Itam Onun, the wife, said: “I was arrested and brought here because I am the landlady. My husband and I collected the sum of ₦50,000 for a single room from a tenant, unknown to us that the tenant was a drug dealer.” Her husband also maintained his innocence, stating, “My hands are clean.”
Commander Anteyi, however, stressed that the investigation is still ongoing: “The NDLEA boss, Mohammed Marwa, is bent on bringing this illicit trade to an end. Our ears are still on the ground to arrest more suspects.”
Call for Community Collaboration
Anteyi praised Governor Bassey Otu for supporting the agency’s efforts and strongly urged residents of Cross River State to collaborate with the command by providing useful information to help curb the illicit drug trade.
Source: Punch Online
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