The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed heaps of illicit drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit substances seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo state, in what is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the Agency.
Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, who disclosed this in a statement today, said the destruction of the illicit substances was witnessed by representatives of government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders, among others.
He said the activity was conducted at an isolated location at Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state, today.
Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 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.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) who was represented by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, while justifying the public destruction of the confiscated drugs, said the exercise is a testament to the Agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.
He warned those involved in drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria.
Marwa expressed appreciation to Lagos state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.
In his remark at the ceremony, Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (Rtd) commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, and consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets.
While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun called for investment in prevention through education, counseling and youth empowerment initiatives.
