http://odili.net/news/source/2012/dec/28/500.html

Hard drugs: The Colombians are here

Friday, December 28, 2012



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*Shock as NDLEA uncovers methamphetamine production factories in Lagos, Anambra

...drug lord receives $38,000 weekly

By UCHE USIM

Members of the public were shell-shocked at the weekend when undercover agents of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) uncovered illegal methamphetamine production outfits in Lagos and Anambra states.

The development has galvanized the Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade to raise concern over the health and security implication of the dangerous factories, urging anyone with useful information about the ugly development to alert the agency.

Already, a Colombian drug lord, Gonzelo Osorio aka Fabian Arcila, who specializes in the quick set up of clandestine methamphetamine factories has been arrested and kept in the custody of the anti-narcotic agency where he has been assisting with all needed information.

For his expertise, the NDLEA say he earns a whopping $38,000 (about N5.96 million) from the drug cartel in Nigeria that invites him.

"It's really a worrisome and sad development. Our investigation had shown that the Colombian methamphetamine production expert, Gonzelo Osorio aka Fabian Arcila and Baez Benitez Milan was invited to establish three clandestine laboratories on a 38,000 dollars weekly contract. This is sad and worrisome. It is a clarion call on stakeholders to pay priority attention on this dangerous twist in our nation's drug trade", Giade said.

The NDLEA boss also revealed that narcotic investigators have arrested seven members of the criminal gang who are helping in further investigation.

"The suspects are Gonzelo Osorio, Gabriel Onyebuchi Obi, Anthony Ebi, Olisa Cyprian Onyebuchukwu, Mickey Ezeokoli, Solomon Ogbonna and Chidi Alexandra Efeagwazi. Twelve vehicles belonging to suspected members of the cartel have been confiscated. In addition, four houses have also been traced to the criminal group by the agency", he revealed.

Giade further said that the undercover operation that led to the crackdown on the criminal gang commenced in November 2011 when Gonzelo-Osorio was contracted by a Nigerian drug syndicate to establish three methamphetamine production laboratories in different parts of the country.

"The operation is one of the best coordinated in terms of duration, expertise and professionalism. The first clandestine laboratory Gonzelo established was situated at Majek area of Ibeju Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State while another one was located in Nanka village in Nnewi area of Anambra State in Eastern Nigeria . The criminal gang were in the process of establishing the third laboratory when they were apprehended by NDLEA officers", he noted.

Continuing, he said: "Gonzelo-Osorio left the country in December 2011 and returned on 30th of May 2012 with a false identity as a citizen of Paraguay with the name Baez Benitez Milan on his travel documents. He is regarded as the best methamphetamine production expert in the country and was hired on $38,000 dollars weekly by the drug cartel. While the above operation was on-going, a suspect was apprehended in Lagos for using his residence for a solo production of methamphetamine. The reality of the threat according to the Agency is that it is both a syndicate and a one man affair.

"The concerted efforts of stakeholders are required. The suspects involved in the criminal act are either ignorant of the lethal health consequences of their action or have simply been blinded by their selfish interests. Methamphetamine production endangers public health. More worrisome is the security implication due to the huge profit involved", the NDLEA boss stated.

Recall that the first clandestine laboratory was discovered in June 2011 in Lagos . The second laboratory also discovered in Lagos early this year revealed the engagement of foreigners by local drug cells as three Bolivian expatriates who were running the laboratory were arrested and are currently undergoing trial. In all 5 production factories have been located by the agency.

Medical experts have repeatedly said that methamphetamine laboratories pose a serious health danger to the society. The risk of infection is also very high even after several years of abandonment.

The chemicals and the gasses emitted during production are highly injurious. Even residents living close to a production area are also at risk.

Consequently, the NDLEA has expressed readiness to stop the unwarranted health hazard in the country.

"Members of the public are thus urged to be vigilant and report suspected cases to the agency. Persons seeking accommodation are advised to investigate the history of the house before moving into new apartments to prevent health problems of houses used in methamphetamine production", Giade stated.

so this is the kind of investment these guys have in Lagos? They need to be sent back to their asap

The 'offenders'.......sorry, 'the defenders' (according to Afam) doing what they know how to do.

Leave them, it is about time.

These guys had better be warned .if there is anything capable of causing a pogrom this is it .We will NOT accept this

With all these news, arguements, accusations and counters.....Is the media doin a negative propaganda against the Igbos or some of them can truely do anything for money??