By Esther Yakubu
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested a Trans-border drug trafficker, 36-year-old Nkem Timothy, alias Auwalu Audu in Sokoto State.
The suspect was trying to cross to Algeria through the Niger Republic with 62 wraps of substance suspected to be cocaine weighing 1.550kg, which has an estimated street value of about N1 billion.
According to the acting state Commander of NDLEA in Sokoto, Bamidele Segun, the suspect was intercepted on a motorcycle around the baggage area at Illela border, while trying to cross to the Niger Republic.
According to NDLEA, the his final destination of the suspect was Algeria, where he resides. The illicit drug was neatly concealed inside yoghurt bottles.
“He was found with an ECOWAS passport with a name written as Auwalu Audu, but he gave his real name as Nkem Timothy,” the commander stated, adding that his men had commenced further investigation to unravel his sponsor and other members of the drug cartel.
“This is a ground-breaking feat for us in the command, as the seizure of this magnitude of Type A drug (cocaine) has never been made in Sokoto Command before,” he added.
