A 32-year-old Nigerian national, Pascal Okafor Ezugwu, has been sentenced to a 10-year prison term by the High Court for attempting to smuggle 90 thumb-sized cocaine pellets weighing 1.54 kg.
Mr. Okafor Ezugwu was sentenced on Friday, May 3, 2024, to a minimum of 10 years in hard labor and fined ten thousand penalty units. In the event of default, he will serve an additional three years in prison.
The court also ordered the destruction of the exhibit, to be supervised by all interested stakeholders in the presence of the court registrar, state prosecutors, and the defense counsel.
Mr. Okafor Ezugwu was arrested on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, by officers of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) at the Kotoka International Airport. He was going through pre-boarding formalities at the departure hall to board a flight to Hanoi, Vietnam.
A urine test conducted on him revealed 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 offenses relating to 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.
In a meeting, NACOC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the public from the trafficking and use of illicit drugs, ensuring public safety.
The Commission emphasized 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. It urges the general public to be aware of the consequences and risks associated with such activities.