NDLEA Destroys 304,436kg, 40,042 Litres of Illicit Drugs Seized in Lagos, Ogun

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed a total of 304,436 kilogrammes and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from some parts of Lagos and Ogun States.

Speaking at a brief ceremony where the seized drugs were publicly destroyed in Badagry, Lagos State, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (rtd), said the open destruction of the seized illicit drugs followed court orders.

Marwa appealed for more public support for ongoing efforts by his agency and other stakeholders to curb the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.

He said: “Through a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court,” adding that the exhibits being destroyed were of mixed types which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.

He revealed that the drugs were seized by NDLEA operatives across different formations of the agency in Lagos and Ogun States from January 2022 till date, especially at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.

Marwa said: “To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055 kilogrammes and 40, 042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes of the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.”

The NDLEA boss expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, members of NGOs and CSOs as well as other stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony.

He said: “The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution. We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion. To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise.”

Marwa seized the opportunity to acknowledge the support of the agency’s local and international partners, especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); United Kingdom NCA, Border Force; the Germans, the French; Indian NCB, among others who had worked with the agency on a number of busts.

He added: “Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies such as the Customs, Immigration, Police, Civil Defence, FRSC, NFIU, NAFDAC and others that have been supporting our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs.”

Marwa assured them that NDLEA would not relent in its effort to end the drug scourge in the country, while calling for more public support for the activities of the agency.

He acknowledged that: “The safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us. Every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the Agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to clean up our communities and cities. Together, we can make this country secure.”

Meanwhile, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chairman, Badagry West Local Government Area, Mr. Olusegun Onilude, expressed satisfaction with the efforts of NDLEA to tackle the scourge of illicit drugs in the country.

He said: “Almost all crimes are fueled by illicit drugs, so the Lagos State Government appreciates NDLEA and its leadership in their resolute fight against illicit drugs. The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speak volume and every right-thinking person should be worried.”

The governor also thanked the agency for taking the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) social advocacy campaign to schools and communities across Lagos State, assuring that: “No doubt, NDLEA is working, and the state will continue to collaborate with the agency and its leadership.”