Two Ghanaian nationals identified as Emmanuel Doedcher, 40, and Godswill Olamide John, 25, have been arrested with weeds suspected to be Indian hemp worth about N250 million.
The suspects were arrested on December 9, 2023, at the Lagos anchorage by naval officers from NNS BEECROFT.
The Commander of NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, who confirmed their arrest to newsmen, said the suspects were members of a syndicate that specialized in the shipment of Ghanaian brand of cannabis also known as Skunk, from Accra in Ghana to Nigeria. Four other members of the gang jumped into the Lagos lagoon and swam away under the cover of darkness.
Officers of the Nigerian Navy Ship NNS BEECROFT are currently combing the waters in search of the suspects.
“Recall that some weeks ago, we intercepted two consignments of cannabis weighing over 8000kg. The latest seizure weighs about 5000kg. We will continue to go after them. This is in line with the zero tolerance of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, on smuggling. We will also continue to collaborate with sister agencies to ensure a crime-free yuletide season” Oguntuga said.
When interrogated, Doedcher said his contact in Ghana told him that the consignment belonged to one Buchi at Eleko Beach in the Ajah area of Lekki. On his part, Godswill said he was promised N150,000 after the consignment was successfully delivered to its owners at Eleko Beach.
