Over 2,640kg of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa worth N200 million which was intercepted by the Nigerian Navy has now been handed over to the Nigerian Drug Law Agency, NDLEA, in Lagos.
The commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, handed over the exhibits to NDLEA officials at NNS BEECROFT, Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Mr. Oguntuga said that the exhibits contained in 66 bags, which weighed 40kg each, were confiscated around Iworo, Ibeshe and Badagry area of Lagos State.
“It is expected that the NDLEA will continue with the investigation and go ahead to take the necessary actions needed to handle this kind of substance,” he said.
The commander said the achievement was made possible by the Nigerian Navy state-of-the-art technology; the Falcon Eye Alignment which was a sophisticated maritime domain awareness facility.
“This facility has a 24 hours surveillance of Nigerias maritime environment in order to detect any kind of illegality within the maritime environment. The alignment detected some boats operating within the maritime environment around Iworo, Ibeshe and Badagry general area of Lagos State
“However, by the time our men arrived, the perpetrators had absconded but we were able to apprehend the substances that will have been smuggled into the state,”
he said.
Mr Oguntuga said that the Nigerian Navy, under the leadership of Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, remained resolute toward ensuring perpetrators of nefarious activities were not seen within the maritime environment.
“We understand the relationship between crime, violence and taking drugs, that is why the Nigerian Navy will continue to thwart and prevent such acts from materialising.
“I assure Nigerians that the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the appropriate security agencies will leave no stone unturned, to ensure a safe and secure environment
“The maritime environment will continue to remain safe for individuals who are carrying about their legitimate duties for the economic prosperity of our nation,”
he said.
Mr. Oguntuga advised criminals to desist from such acts, stating that the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies would continue to go after them to end such illegalities.
