The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT on Thursday transferred 45 bags of substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, weighing 1,575 kilogrammes, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Apapa, Lagos.
The handover was carried out by the ship’s Executive Officer, Captain Idongesit Udoessien, on behalf of the Commander, Commodore Paul Nimmyel.
According to Commodore Nimmyel, the suspected narcotics were seized on 4 July during a maritime operation conducted around the Takwa Bay and Ilesha Beach axis, following actionable intelligence.
“Our base quick response team intercepted two wooden boats believed to be ferrying illegal substances. Upon spotting the naval patrol team, the suspects fled, leaving behind 45 bags of suspected cannabis,” Nimmyel explained.
He described the seizure as a key outcome of the Navy’s sustained drive to curb drug trafficking and bolster maritime security, in line with directives from the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
“The Nigerian Navy remains steadfast in supporting internal security efforts and collaborating with relevant agencies to safeguard our maritime domain,” he said, commending the professionalism and alertness of the personnel involved in the operation.
He encouraged members of the public to contribute to ongoing security efforts by sharing credible and timely information to assist in curbing criminal activities along the nation’s waterways.
Receiving the consignment, Deputy Commander of the NDLEA Marine Command, Mr Emmanuel Morrison, confirmed that the seized substances would be moved to the central exhibit store and destroyed in line with court directives.
Morrison praised the Nigerian Navy for its ongoing collaboration in the fight against drug trafficking, particularly in vulnerable coastal areas.