The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has impounded a Hilux vehicle belonging to the Ondo State Government allegedly used in conveying 316.65kg of dried weeds found to be Indian hemp.The vehicle was impounded on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway after it was found to be carrying several sacks of the illicit drug valued at N1.1m.The vehicles driver, Taofeeq Olabode, 31, was arrested with two other occupants of the vehicle, Mrs. Rose Ossai, 39, and Mrs. Grace Adejo, 40, on their way to Lagos from Owo in Ondo State.PUNCH METRO learnt that the suspects were alleged members of a gang, which specialises in Indian hemp trafficking across the country.The NDLEA Lagos State Commander, Mr. Aliyu Sule, said the female suspects were believed to be the brains behind Indian hemp trafficking, while two male drivers with the Ondo State Government smuggled it from Owo in Ondo State and distribute in Lagos. "This group made up of women cannabis merchants and two drivers, specialises in inter-state distribution of cannabis. They operate cleverly and smoothly using official vehicles as a cover. We got the information and have been working hard to arrest them," Aliyu stated. The commander, who said the agency would ensure that Lagos was a drug-free state, added that another driver and two other women, who were members of the group but currently at large, were being hunted by officials of the command.The NDLEA spokesman, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, who said the suspects were apprehended last week, noted that the campaign for the eradication of illicit drugs from the state was yielding positive results."The suspects met their waterloo last week and we are already investigating their involvement in the criminal act based on their confessional statements," Ofoyeju said.PUNCH METRO learnt that Taofeeq Olabode, a native of Akure in Ondo State, is a driver with the Ondo State Government.In his statement, he explained that his colleague, Ogidan Kayode, who is the official driver of the impounded vehicle, involved him in the illicit trade. Olabode said, "My daughter was sick and I needed N6,000 for her treatment. I met my colleague, Ogidan Kayode, for help and he promised to assist me. "He later drove his official vehicle to my house in Akure and told me to convey the cannabis from Owo to Lagos. That was how I got involved. All I wanted was to take care of my sick child but unfortunately, we were arrested." Ofoyeju said the other two suspects who are based in Lagos, were allegedly involved in cannabis sales and distribution in the state. One of the female suspects, Ossai, who hails from Ndokwa West Area of Delta State, but resides in Lagos, said she was new in the business."I was told that there is much profit in hemp sales. I got into the trade because I needed to pay my rents. I am a divorcee with four children. I sell kerosene and drinks. I beg for pardon in the interest of my children and because this is my very first time," Ossai lamented. Adejo, a widow with two children, who also pleaded for mercy, attributed her involvement to poverty, adding that she regretted her action.She said,"I am a widow with two children. This is my second trip to Owo to buy cannabis. I have realised my mistake and pray for mercy because of my children. "I used to sell clothes in Jos to sustain my family after the death of my husband. Unfortunately, I lost my shop and everything to the Jos crisis and I relocated to Lagos where I was lured into cannabis trade." Ofoyeju said the matter was still being investigated, adding that as soon as the investigation was concluded, the suspects would be charged to court.The Chairman of the NDLEA, Alhaji. Ahmadu Giade, said the use of official vehicle belonging to a state government was an indication of the desperation of drug barons.A statement by Ofoyeju quoted Giade as saying, "This is worrisome because these are mothers with children distributing cannabis to other children. I urge members of the public to report suspected cases of drug trafficking to the agency. "The consequences of these drugs on the society are grave. Drug barons are constantly looking for who they will engage in their illicit trade and it is wisdom not to yield to their deception."
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