Arrests 5 suspects in connection with the smuggling
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the seizure of N2.2 billion worth of heroin being smuggled into the country.
A press statement released by the Agency on Wednesday revealed that the operation was done in collaboration with British authorities.
The report said the unadulterated drug, weighing 113.49 kg, had already found its way into the country from the Tin Can Port, before being trailed to the Okota area of Lagos State.
According to the Agency, the drug was concealed in three moulding machines imported from Islamabad, Pakistan in a 20-feet container.
The NDLEA also disclosed the arrest of five persons in connection with the crime, while investigations into the matter continue.
Although, the seizure was the first made at the seaport this year, the Agency warned against the smuggling of large shipments of narcotics into the country, through the seaports.
Ahmadu Giade, the Chairman of NDLEA, expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom authorities for sharing the intelligence with the agency.
“This operation underscores the importance of collaboration and mutual trust among countries in drug control. High level surveillance was carried out on the container which arrive the Tin Can Island port some months ago,” Giade said.
Giade said that the seizures recorded at the Ports show that it has become imperative for the agency to enhance its capacity at the seaports.
“From experience, one drug seizure at the seaport equals what is seized in a year at the airport. The implication is that the capacity of the NDLEA needs to be enhanced through funding, training and provision of logistics,” he said.
Speaking on the effects of drug smuggling, Giade said it should be discouraged as it cripples a nation’s socio-economic and political stability.
Also according to him, the Agency is trying to ensure the clearance of goods within 48 hours at the Ports, in line with the presidential directive.
Giade also vowed to “continue to incapacitate drug barons through coordinated drug seizures, arrests and diligent prosecution.”
