…Sanwo-Olu applauds agency’s vigilance in war against drugs

By Sodiq Adelakun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday destroyed a significant quantity of illicit substances totaling 304,436 kg and 40,042 litres.

These substances were recovered from various locations in Lagos and Ogun states.

The Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, Femi Babafemi confirmed in a statement released to journalists yesterday that the destruction took place in Badagry, Lagos, in compliance with court orders.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA’s Chairman, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa (retd.), emphasised that the destruction of the seized drugs was a crucial step in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.

Marwa also called for increased public support to boost ongoing efforts by NDLEA and other stakeholders to combat these societal menaces.

Marwa further explained that the destroyed exhibits comprised various types of illicit drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.

These drugs had been seized by NDLEA operatives from January 2022 until the present, primarily at key points such as Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.

During the public destruction ceremony, Marwa expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, religious leaders, members of NGOs and CSOs, and other stakeholders who attended the event.

He emphasised that the destruction of seized drugs was mandated by the NDLEA Act after prosecution.

“Though a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court,” the NDLEA boss stated, adding that the exhibits being destroyed were of mixed types, “which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.”

He said the drugs were seized by the agency’s operatives across different formations in Lagos and Ogun states from January 2022 till date, especially at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.

“To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40, 042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld,” Marwa said.

He thanked traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, members of NGOs and CSOs, as well as other stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony.

“The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the Agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution. We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion. To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise,” he added.

Marwa commended the Agency’s local and international partners, “Especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); United Kingdom NCA, Border Force; the Germans, the French; and Indian NCB, among others who had worked with us on a number of busts. Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies such as the Customs; Immigration; Police; Civil Defence; FRSC; NFIU, NAFDAC and others that have been supporting our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.”

While assuring all that the NDLEA will not relent in its effort to end the drug scourge in the country, Marwa called for more public support for the activities of the agency.

“The safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us. Every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to clean up our communities and cities. Together, we can make this country secure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of the NDLEA to tackle the scourge of illicit drugs in the country.

“Almost all crimes and criminalities are fueled by illicit drugs, so the Lagos State government appreciates the NDLEA and its leadership in their resolute fight against illicit drugs. The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speaks volumes, and every right-thinking person should be worried,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chairman, Badagry West Local Government, Mr Olusegun Onilude, also thanked the agency for taking the War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy campaign to schools and communities across Lagos State.

“No doubt, the NDLEA is working, and the state will continue to collaborate with the agency and its leadership,” he added.