UP-06-9259, NIGERIA: ARRESTS OF 3 NIGERIANS 1

UNCLAS LAGOS 000285 SIPDIS DEA HRS FOR OI,OID,OSE,OEE,SARI STATE FOR INL/AF/W, INR/AA POSTS FOR DEA OR NARCOR FROM DEA CA SAM GAYE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SNAR ASEC NI SUBJECT: UP-06-9259, NIGERIA: ARRESTS OF 3 NIGERIANS 1 DUTCH NATIONAL ¶1. ON February 20, 2006, Sierra Leoneon authorities arrested 3 Nigerians and 1 Dutch national at Lungi International Airport in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Authorities seized 18.4 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine was strapped on their bodies. All four suspects were about to board an Astraues flight from Lungi International to London, when authorities subjected them to a search of their persons, at which time the cocaine was discovered. ¶2. During post-arrest interrogation by the police CID, the suspects admitted carrying drugs but declined making further statements. meanwhile, the Sierra leoneon National Drug Control Agency continues its investigation. ¶3. The information regarding the arrests and seizures was passed on to DEA Lagos by the UN Office of Drugs and Crime. DEA Lagos will attempt to verify the arrests and seizures, and then ascertain more details. INDEXING SECTION: ¶1. Handsome Friday Okafor, Nigerian male, PP NO.A2355024; carrying 3.32 kilograms strapped on body. ¶2. Ignatius Ezimora, Nigerian male, PP NO.A2981159; carrying 6.34 kilograms strapped on body. ¶3. Mathew Okechukwu Echefudike, Nigerian male, PP NO.A1836919; carrying 5.44 kilograms strapped on body. ¶4. Harvey Jozef Reinita, Dutch national, PP NO.NG2477748; carrying 3.30 kilograms strapped on body. BROWNE