The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, under the auspices of Justice Akintayo Aluko, has sentenced Taiwo Olusegun Anuoluwapo to five years imprisonment for his involvement in smuggling 23.3 kilograms of a synthetic strain of Cannabis Sativa, popularly known as ‘Canada Loud,’ concealed within loudspeakers.

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Anuoluwapo was brought before the court alongside a freight forwarder, Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega, on charges of conspiracy and unlawful possession of the banned substance. During the proceedings, Anuoluwapo pleaded guilty to the charges, while Gboyega denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.

Following their plea, Justice Aluko adjourned the case for a review of the facts and consideration of the bail application for Gboyega. Subsequently, the prosecutor, Abu Ibrahim, presented evidence indicating that Anuoluwapo was apprehended on February 17, 2024, in the Allen Avenue area of Ikeja, Lagos.

Ibrahim disclosed that Anuoluwapo collaborated with individuals named ‘Pappy’ in the United States and ‘KIM’ in Canada to carry out the smuggling operation. Additionally, samples of the seized drug, laboratory test results confirming its authenticity, and confessional statements from the convict were presented to the court and admitted as evidence.

The prosecutor urged the court to sentence Anuoluwapo by the provisions of the NDLEA Acts under which he was charged. In defense, Anuoluwapo’s counsel, Dennis Warri, highlighted his client’s status as a first-time offender and emphasized his remorse and commitment to reform.

Warri pleaded for leniency, requesting a non-custodial sentence for Anuoluwapo. In delivering the judgment, Justice Aluko sentenced Anuoluwapo to five years imprisonment but offered the option of paying a fine of N1.5 million instead of serving the jail term.