An Accra High Court has sentenced a 32-year-old Nigerian national, Pascal Okafor Ezugwu, to a 10-year prison term after he was found guilty of attempting to smuggle 90 thumb-sized cocaine pellets weighing 1.54 kg.
A statement released by Public Relations Unit of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) said Mr Ezugwu was also fined ten thousand penalty units. It explained that in the event of default, he would serve an additional three years in prison.
Per the statement, the court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit, which will be supervised by all interested stakeholders in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors, and the defence counsel.
Arrest
The statement noted that Mr. Okafor Ezugwu was arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, by officers of NACOC at Kotoka International Airport while going through pre-boarding formalities at the departure hall to board a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
It revealed that a urine test conducted on him shown traces of narcotic substances. He later expelled a total of 90 thumb-sized pellets during observation by officers, and a field test of the pellets proved positive for cocaine.
He was subsequently detained and later charged with three counts of narcotic offences: unlawful possession, attempted exportation of narcotic drugs, and money laundering.
Mr. Ezugwu was arraigned before the Criminal Court Division of the Accra High Court, where he pleaded guilty to all three counts and was consequently convicted on his own plea.
Commitment
NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from the trafficking and use of illicit drugs, thereby ensuring public safety.
The Commission emphasised that the possession, usage, and transportation of illegal drugs without lawful authorization remain prohibited under sections 40(1) and 41(1) of Act 1019 of the Narcotics Control Commission Act 2020, and urges the general public to be aware of the consequences and risks associated with such activities.
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