A Pakistani, Iftikhar Muhammad Arslan was yesterday
sentenced to 18 months imprisonment for importing 25.400kg of high heroin
valued at N220 million, by Justice C. J. Aneke of the Federal
High Court, Ikoyi.
The convict was charged with a one count charge of unlawful
importation of 25.400kg of heroin contrary to and punishable under section
11(a) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act Cap N30, laws of
the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Arslan reportedly told NDLEA investigators: “I’m a student of
Punjab College and in Nigeria as a tourist because my friend told me that
Victoria Island and Ikoyi are beautiful tourist centres. Unfortunately, when I
arrived Lagos Airport, the heroin was found in my luggage. This is my first
time of coming to Nigeria and I had intended to spend a week or two.”
The NDLEA spokesman, Mitchel Ofoyeju, said that the convict
claimed to be a medical student.
Ofoyeju added: “He initially pleaded not guilty but changed his
plea midway in the trial. Iftikhar also pleaded for leniency. His argument was
opposed by NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Owens Fingere who told the court that the
value of the drugs and the fact of the case be considered in sentencing him.”
Justice
Aneke said that the
court will show some leniency considering the fact that he is a student who
deserves a second chance to correct his mistakes he added that the convict is a
first time offender who is remorseful over his action. He therefore sentenced
Arslan to 18 months imprisonment.
“Arslan
was arrested by officials of the NDLEA at the Murtala Muhammed International
Airport (MMA), Lagos on April 5, 2014 at age 19 during the inward screening of
passengers on Qatar Airways flight on his way from Doha, Qatar,” said Ofoyeju.
Ofoyeju continued: “The brownish substance that tested positive
for heroin was packed in 25 parcels hidden in a smaller bag inside his
luggage.”
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