NDLEA Seized 750 Tonnes of Illicit Drugs over the years

October 17, 2024 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over 750 tonnes of illegal drugs over the years, according to its Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohammed Marwa (retd.). Marwa made this announcement on Wednesday at the inauguration of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, a facility provided by the British government.

Marwa highlighted that the agency’s collaboration with other maritime law enforcement agencies has significantly increased drug seizures and arrests, leading to the apprehension of 41 suspects, 15 of whom have already been prosecuted and jailed.

He said, “We upgraded the Marine Unit to a full-fledged command in 2022, and since then, our balance sheet of arrests and drug seizures within the maritime space has shown an upward trend.”

He noted that the agency, through various port operations, seized a range of illicit drugs, including cocaine, codeine, tramadol, methamphetamine, and Loud.

ndlea — **NDLEA seized N4.7bn cocaine, meth from a Lagos Warehouse in June 2024.**

The chairman also highlighted the growing sophistication of maritime drug trafficking, pointing out that traffickers are now using personal vessels such as luxury yachts, modified pump boats, and fishing trawlers to smuggle narcotics.

He emphasised the need for ongoing collaboration between security agencies to address this escalating threat, which is also connected to organised crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.

Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner who attended the event, expressed the UK’s support for the NDLEA’s initiatives. Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the state’s secretary and representative of the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended the agency for its efforts in safeguarding citizens and improving security.

The NDLEA also cited data from the United Nations indicating that West Africa continues to be a key transit region for narcotics, with drug traffickers often taking advantage of maritime routes.