Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confirmed the death of Edwin
Ozoani, 34, a commercial bus driver, who died after a wrap of cocaine he
ingested bursted in his stomach.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, said the deceased,
who returned from Brazil on-board a South African Airline flight, was
arrested at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos. Edwin
Ozoani allegedly ingested 11 wraps but only excreted 10.
“During screening, he tested positive to drug ingestion and was placed
on observation,” he said. “He excreted 10 wraps of substances that
tested positive for cocaine, weighing 180 grammes. While still under
observation, he complained of stomach pain and was rushed to the
hospital where he eventually died. A post-mortem examination revealed
that his death was due to one of the wraps of cocaine he ingested that
ruptured in his stomach.”
Reacting to the development, Ahmadu Giade, NDLEA Chairman, called for stiffer penalties against convicted drug traffickers.
“Until we get the penalty right, drug trafficking will remain
attractive,” he said. “Every case of drug trafficking involving type A
drugs like cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine runs into several
millions of naira. We must therefore wield the big stick against
offenders to serve as deterrent. I am optimistic that adherence to
stringent bail conditions and minimum of 15 years jail term will turn
the tide of events.
This death is sad and painful. The deceased
would have been alive to face trial and ultimately given opportunity to
learn from his mistakes. I urge members of the public to shun drug
trafficking and make quality choices that will enable them maximise
their destinies.”
The NDLEA Airport Commander, Hamza Umar added
that the family members of the deceased have applied for the corpse to
be released to them after the autopsy.
