The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended a duo involved in the clandestine distribution of drug-laced chin-chin to unsuspecting students and revelers in social gatherings.
Identified as 20-year-old hair stylist Josephine Odunu and 30-year-old dispatch rider Edesemi Ikporo, the pair were arrested in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, shedding light on a disturbing trend of drug trafficking infiltrating seemingly innocuous goods.
According to Femi Babafemi, the Director of Media & Advocacy at NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the arrests transpired following a vigilant patrol operation conducted around the Opolo area of Yenagoa on Sunday, March 10th, 2024.
During the operation, Edesemi, the dispatch rider, was intercepted with 200 grams of chin-chin infused with cannabis sativa, intended for delivery to a customer.
Subsequent investigations swiftly led authorities to Josephine, who was found to be operating from a salon in the Kpansia area of Yenagoa.
Inside the salon, a staggering 3.00 kilograms of the illicit substance were recovered, bringing the total seized from the duo to 3.2 kilograms.
It was uncovered that Josephine played a pivotal role in the distribution network, acting as a primary distributor to an elusive suspect responsible for producing the drugged chin-chin.
Further inquiries revealed the insidious nature of their operation, as the duo systematically targeted school students and frequented social events such as birthday parties to push their nefarious product.
Edesemi handled the logistics, ensuring the timely delivery of the drug-laced treats to buyers, while Josephine facilitated the dissemination from her salon hub.
The arrests underscore the pervasive reach of drug trafficking networks, which exploit unsuspecting avenues to peddle illicit substances.
Authorities have issued warnings to the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, as efforts intensify to dismantle such operations and safeguard communities from the scourge of drug abuse and addiction.
