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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Tincan Island Port Strategic Command, Lagos State, says it apprehended 38 drug suspects and seized 339,576.91kg of drugs in 2024.
Its Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made this known at a news briefing on Thursday in Lagos.
Ofoyeju gave the breakdown of drugs seized to include Codeine 305,323.37kg, Tapentadol 13.370kg, Tafradol 11,.230.8kg, and Benzhexol 5,888.8kg.
Others are Cannabis Indica 3,601.25kg, Methamphetamine 83.301kg, Cocaine 56.39kg, and 23kg of Heroine.
According to him, the estimated monetary value of the seized drugs is N134.2 billion.
He added that a total of 12 convictions were won while no fewer than 26 cases were pending in the courts.
“This underscores the crucial role of the NDLEA in the seaport.
“These operations have not only disrupted drug supply chains but have also significantly promoted public health and safety,” he said.
Ofoyeju said that in January 2024, the command detected narcotic drugs, firearms, and ammunition in one container.
He stressed that the command would remain vigilant in protecting the country from the painful grip of kidnapping, gruesome murder, and other related crimes that are aggravated by drugs.
The Commander said that as frontline gatekeepers, the command understood that the seizures and arrests being celebrated had significantly contributed to the peace enjoyed by citizens across the country.
He added that the activities had positive impacts on the country noting that if drugs and arms did not get to criminals, there would be peace.
According to him, NDLEA‘s mandate is to encourage legitimate commerce and eliminate any act of criminality capable of destroying economic growth.
He reaffirmed that no stone would be left unturned until Tincan Island Port was completely impenetrable by drug trafficking cartels.
Ofoyeju announced that the command initiated an annual award to recognise and reward the best-performing officers.
He said that awards were conferred on six officers of the Command and a journalist from This Day Newspapers.
He added that the occasion also featured a public presentation of the command’s first edition of the Tincan Strategic Command quarterly newsletter.
According to him, it is an initiative designed to enhance transparency, share successes, and keep stakeholders informed about ongoing efforts and upcoming initiatives of the Command.
(NAN)
