In a decisive move against drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday, destroyed approximately 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.
The public destruction, conducted at an isolated location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, marks the largest volume of drug seizures to be incinerated at once in the agency’s history.
Stakeholders, including government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, representatives of other security agencies, international partners, NGOs, and community leaders, witnessed the exercise.
Some of the destroyed substances included 123 kilograms of cocaine, 46.8 kilograms of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup, 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol, 1,544 kilograms of skuchies, and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), represented by the Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, said the public incineration underscores the agency’s commitment to transparency and the rule of law.
“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking.
“This exercise is not merely symbolic, it is forensic, grounded in evidence. Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items.
“The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution,” he stated.
Describing the event as a major milestone, Abdul said it involved narcotics seized across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, including the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command.
“According to Marwa, the scale of the seizures reflects not just the commitment of the agency, but also the magnitude of the challenge facing the country.
“The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence,” he stated.
He warned traffickers that the NDLEA, under the current administration, will continue to pursue and prosecute those involved in illicit drug activities.
“To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.
“At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”
Marwa acknowledged the support received from the state governments of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo. He also commended NDLEA officers for their dedication and tireless work.
The Partners he identified as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); the International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; the United Kingdom Border Force; the National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, amongst others.
Subsequently, he appreciated the First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC and NAFDAC for their support.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd), reiterated the need to address the broader implications of drug abuse and implement preventive strategies.
He said, “We must invest in prevention through education, counseling and youth empowerment initiatives. We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”
No Safe Haven Again, NDLEA Warns Traffickers After Destroying ‘Largest In History’ Kilograms Of Seized Drugs is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
Source: The Whistler
