Two 33-year old drug traffickers, Ogbobe Chidiebere and Okonkwo Nonye were on Friday reported to have almost lost their lives after they developed complications from wraps of cocaine they ingested.
The duo reportedly fell critically ill and almost died upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja from Sao Paulo, Brazil enroute Dubai.
Spokesperson for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju told newsmen that but for the quick response of medical experts, the duo, who are both from Enugu State, would have died.
Ofoyeju said, “They nearly died when they fell critically ill upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
“Luckily for the suspects, when they were rushed to the hospital, 137 wraps of cocaine were successfully evacuated from their stomachs.”
The spokesperson recalled that similar incidents, which highlights the extreme risk drug mules or traffickers undertake in transporting narcotics in their bodies, have led to the death of traffickers in the past.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of the NDLEA, Col. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah (retd.) said the suspects will soon be in a stable health condition as they were responding to treatment, although, it was unclear if any of the wraps burst inside the two suspects.
Abdallah said, “Drug ingestion is a very risky act that takes drug traffickers to early graves. The agency will continue to protect lives and enhance public security by ensuring that narcotic drugs are only made available for medical and scientific purposes.”
He however warned that Nigerians should avoid dangerous and criminal acts that are inimical to their well being, public health and safety, adding that the suspects would be charged to court soon.
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