The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has continued its offensive action against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria with the latest seizure of 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kilogram (100.05pds), with an estimated street value of over N32 billion.
The consignment containing the illicit drug was put under surveillance by operatives of the Tincan Command of the NDLEA for some days until two clearing agents showed up on Monday to clear it.
According to the Commander, Tincan Port Command of the NDLEA, Sumaila Ethan, the two clearing agents were promptly arrested and the consignment, which was brought into Nigeria from Brazil on board a vessel marked: MV SPAR SCORPIO, properly searched.
Ethan stated when he spoke with newsmen on Tuesday at the Ikoyi, Lagos State office of the agency: “After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations tested positive to cocaine.
“The two clearing agents have been taken into custody while we continue with the investigation.
“The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.
“We appreciate our Chairman/Chief Executive, General Buba Marwa, who provided guidance all through the operations.
The Tincan port seizure is coming on the heels of similar ones at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as from the FCT, Edo, Katsina, Nasarawa and Benue State Commands in the last three weeks.
While commending the Commander, Officers and Men of the Tincan Port Command for the operation, Marwa charged them and other Commands across the country to remain vigilant and on red alert.
He said: “The successes we are recording in the last three weeks can only serve as a challenge to raise the bar and do more.
“We’ll continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency, and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs.”
