3 Foreigners Docked Over Illicit Drug

Three Bolivians, Reuben Ikono Jorge, Yhugo Chavaez Moreno and Yerko Artunduako Dorado were this morning arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, on a three-count criminal charge of conspiracy, illegal production of drugs and unlawfully using a premises to produce illicit drugs.

According to the charge dated 11 March, 2012, filed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Director of prosecution and Legal Services, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba, the three accused Bolivians between November 2011 and February 2012 at 38, Daily Times Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos, without lawful authority, allegedly engaged in the production and preparation of methamehetamini weighing 4.8 grammes; a drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD.

The prosecution further alleged that the three Bolivians conspired with Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Azeez Ikechukwu Uzoka, (both of them now at large) in producing the drug.

The three suspects were also arraigned for being occupiers of the said 38, Daily Times Estate, Satellite Town, Lagos, unlawfully allowed themselves to be used in storing and concealing methamehetamini, a drug similar to cocaine.

The offence allegedly committed by the three Bolivians are contrary to and punishable under sections 14(d), 20(1) and 12 of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The three suspects pleaded not guilty.

Their counsel, Chief Benson Ndakara urged the court to order NDLEA prosecuting counsel to furnish him with statements of the accused persons and other exhibits he will use to prosecute them.

NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Theresa Asuquo, did not raise any objection.

The presiding judge, Justice Mohammed Liman adjourned the case till 16 May for trial.

He ordered the three Bolivians to be remanded in prison custody.

—Akin Kuponiyi