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Tag: illicit drugs

  • Customs intercepts N4bn illicit drugs at Tin Can Island Port

    Customs intercepts N4bn illicit drugs at Tin Can Island Port

    The Comptroller-General, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adeniyi said the service intercepted large consignments of illicit drugs including cannabis indica, prohibited codeine and other illicit drugs from Canada and India.

    Adeniyi made this known to newsmen in Lagos on Friday, saying that the intercepted drugs were valued at N4 billion.

    He said among the intercepted drugs by the Tin Can Island Port Command was 172kg of cannabis indica concealed in three drums and intercepted by the Intelligence Unit of the service.

    According to the comptroller-general, a breakdown of the drugs include three plastic drums of cannabis indica; 46 bags of cannabis indica; 877 codeine syrup and 82 cartons of other drugs valued at 4 billion.

    He said that the cannabis was intercepted in two 40ft containers while the intercepted codeine was also in two 40ft containers.

    Adeniyi who described the seizures as a warning to those involved in the unlawful acts, said that the service would ensure the dismantling of the network of people involved.

    “I promise to apply the heaviest sanction against customs officers found culpable.

    “Beyond revenue loss, some port operators and officers of the service are suspected to be involved in the illegal drug importation.

    “Intelligence indicated that a lot of terminals are involved in the customs’ findings and that there are abuses of procedures involving customs officers.

    .”The importer of the drugs gave two fake addresses which raised customs curiosity leading to the discovery,” Adeniyi said.

    He commended the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port, Comptroller Dera Nnadi and his team for the seizures which he described as a fall-out of dedication and hard work.

    Adeniyi recalled that in recent months, the service had reported numbers of successfully-executed interceptions of illicit drugs, arms and ammunition, illegal wildlife and petroleum products at various locations which represented concerted efforts to prevent illegal entries into our country through diverse routes.

    He drew attention to the misuse and abuse of drugs, particularly cannabis indica and codeine which posed severe dangers to the society and also the devastating effects on youths.

    Adeniyi said that the proceeds from illicit drugs were often used to finance disruptions by non-state actors, which was inimical to national security and economy.

    “The Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is determined to stabilise the economy and create an environment where all our citizens can thrive and prosper.

    “As part of these efforts, Nigeria’s customer service plays a crucial role, not only in revenue collection from legitimate trade but protection of our society.

    “Our mandates include ensuring that harmful and illegal substances do not find their way into our communities.

    “It is within this context that the ongoing collaborative efforts between Nigeria Customs Service, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and other sister agencies have consistently yielded positive results,” Adeniyi said.

  • NCoS raises alarm over attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into custodial centres

    NCoS raises alarm over attempts to smuggle illicit drugs into custodial centres

    The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), has raised an alarm over attempts by some visitors to smuggle illicit drugs into its custodial centres.

    DSC Adamu Duza, the Public Relations Officer, NCoS FCT Command, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    “Recently, after much surveillance, we intercepted drug peddlers at the NCoS custodial centre in Kuje.

    “At about three o’clock on Wednesday, men of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, apprehended one Fidelis Emmanuel with substances suspected to be cannabis otherwise known as Indian hemp.

    “During preliminary investigation, the suspect came with food in a flask to visit his friend who is in the custody of the correctional centre.

    “It was in the process of routine search that the prohibited item was found concealed under the food flask and the suspect was apprehended,” he said.

    Duza said that the Comptroller of the FCT Command, Mr John Francis had ordered that the suspect be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (NDLEA) for the law to take its course.

    He said that the comptroller had also heightened security and surveillance at the various centres in the FCT, to uncover visitors who disguise to smuggle illicit drugs into the centres.

    ‘’Officers of the custodial centre are now on the watch out for those who hide under the guise of visitors to sabotage and discredit the efforts of the Nigeria Correctional Service in rehabilitating offenders.

    ‘’We urge members of the public, genuine families and friends of inmates to join in the fight against drug abuse in order to curb crimes, ensure rehabilitation of inmates, reinstatement back to society and decongestion of custodial centres,’’ he said.

  • NDLEA arrests 11 suspects, seizes large consignments of drugs at Abuja, Lagos airports

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has arrested 11 suspects in connection with attempts by some cartels to smuggle illicit drugs through the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja and the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA).

    The NDLEA said that large consignments of drugs were seized in the process from the suspects.

    Its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement.

    According to the statement, first on the list of those arrested in connection to seizures at the two airports is Ofor Chima Chileobi who had on Friday 20th May attempted to export to Dubai, UAE, 200 blocks of cannabis sativa weighing 30.20kg concealed in 40 sacks of bitter leaf through the SAHCO export shed, a cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    “On the same day, 10 cartons of khat with a gross weight of 354.600kg were also seized at the NAHCO import shed of the airport. The following day, Saturday 21st May, a freight agent, Roland Orinami was arrested by NDLEA operatives attached to the local wing of the Lagos airport with1.90kg Loud, a variant of cannabis, factory packed in some bottles while trying to send same via flight to Abuja.

    ALSO READ: NDLEA foils drug cartels attempt to break through security at Airports, seizes large consignments of drugs

    “A follow up operation in Abuja led to the arrest of a taxi driver, Nsikak Evans sent to collect the consignment.

    “His confession also led to the arrest of the actual owner, Adesanya Olakunle Isaac at his house in Life Camp area of Abuja.

    “Adesanya who claims to be into Information Technology, accepted ownership of the seized drug, which he said was meant for an upcoming birthday party of one of his friends.

    “On Tuesday 24th May, another freight agent, Moshood Azeez Olaide was arrested at NAHCO export shed of the MMIA when he presented a cargo containing psychotropic substances heading to Dubai.

    “The illegal consignment was packed into other items such as can drinks, liquid bitters and other non-controlled drugs.

    “The seized drugs include Tramadol 225mg, Rohypnol and MDMA. A follow up operation led to the arrest of another suspect linked to the crime, Olagboye Selim on Friday 27th May.

    “Also on the same day, operatives of the Nigerian Customs Service at NAHCO import shed transferred 15 cartons of khat leaf with a gross weight of 256.70kg, which came into the country on Royal Air Morocco to NDLEA command at the airport.

    “The previous day, Monday 23rd May, another freight agent, Lasebikan Felix Gbega was arrested with 200 bottles of pentazocine injection, with a brand name “Drutapent” weighing 1.05kg. The consignment was heading to the United States of America.

    “Another agent, Akuta Chioma Lucy was on Thursday 26th May arrested at the SAHCO export shed while attempting to export 14.75kg of khat concealed inside other vegetable leaves and food condiments such as bitter leaf, scent leaf, pepper, all packed in bags for shipment to the United Kingdom.

    “At the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, a 45-year-old Ezika Ugochukwu Nicholas from Ichida, Anocha area of Anambra state was arrested on Thursday 26th May for ingesting 60 pellets of cocaine weighing 1.037kg on arrival from Addis Ababa on board Ethiopian airline.

    “Ezika who claims to be into shoe business before his arrest travelled to Ethiopia on 23rd May on the invitation of the person who gave him the drug, which he ingested before returning into the waiting arms of NDLEA officers at the Abuja airport.

    “In the same vein, efforts by drug cartels to export 4kg methamphetamine concealed in nylon rolls to New Zealand were also frustrated by anti-narcotic officers attached to a courier company in Lagos just as they blocked different quantities of cannabis sativa and Tramadol hidden in soles of slippers from being shipped to Oman through the same firm.

    “Meanwhile, no fewer than 335,820 tablets of Tramadol, Exol 5, Diazepam and Rohypnol as well as 400 bottles of codeine syrup concealed in bags of vegetables have been intercepted in Abuja in a hummer passenger bus coming from Enugu on Monday 30th May. The bus driver, Augustine James, 35, is currently helping investigation.

    “In Imo state, 1,111kg of cannabis sativa heading to the Orlu forest, which has become a fortress for non-state actors, was intercepted on Thursday 26th May,” Babafemi said.

    He added that a 35-year-old physically challenged lady, Kasarachi Onumajuru, who hides under her condition to deal drugs in Umudumaonu community, Mbaitoli local government area of Imo state was also arrested on Sunday 29th May.

    The Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig- Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd) in his reaction commended the officers and men of MMIA, NAIA, DOGI, FCT and Imo Commands of the Agency for sustaining the heat on drug cartels.

  • NDLEA confiscates 2,000 kg of drugs in Plateau -Commander

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Plateau Command says it has confiscated 2,000 tonnes of drugs in the state from January to date.

    The Commander of the Agency in the state, Mr Umar Yahuza, stated this in an interview with newsmen in Jos.

    Yahuza explained that the confiscated drugs included cocaine, cannabis sativa, tramadol and other illicit substances.

    “We have recorded tremendous successes from January to this moment; we have seized over two tonnes, almost two and a half tonnes of illicit drugs.

    “The breakdown is as follows, out of this almost two and a half tonnes, we have seized Cannabis sativa which on the street we call ganja or ‘wee-wee’.

    “It accounts for the largest seizures, it accounts for over 1,986 kilograms, that’s almost two tonnes.

    “Then we have the psychotropic substances, which include drugs like pentazocine, Tramadol, diazepam, and so on.

    “This group of psychotropic substances from January to this month, we have seized over 231 kilograms.

    “Cocaine seized from January to date accounts for 233.3 grammes, we have another drug of methamphetamine.

    “We have seized 126.2 grammes of amphetamine which gives us a total of two tonnes 341.986kg of illicit drugs seized in plateau from January to this moment,” he said.

    Similarly, Yahuza said that the command had arrested 290 suspected drug addicts and peddlers in the state within the period under review.

    He added that his men also arrested suspects with other prohibited items and handed them over to relevant authorities for prosecution.

    “As for the suspects we have arrested so far this year, we have 267 males, 23 females, that we have arrested, which gives us a total of 290 suspects.

    “And these people have been charged to court and they are at various stages of prosecution.

    “Added to that, in the course of our activities, we have come across people with other prohibited items.

    “For example, we arrested this young woman with about 2500 fake currency dollars, and she was handed over to the Nigerian police force for further action.

    “And several other cases like that,” he said.

    And on efforts to curtail the influx of illicit substances in the state, the Commander said so much was being done, in terms of public enlightenment and sensitisation to garner the cooperation of the public.

    He thanked Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd), the chairman and Chief Executive of the Agency whose foresight he said, had inspired the successes recorded in the fight against drug use and abuse in the country.

    The Commander added that without the cooperation of the public, the job won’t be easy, saying that men of the agency were always on their toes to swing into action to checkmate the excesses.

    He, therefore, called on the public to continue to cooperate with them and report any suspicious acts noticed within their surroundings or environment.

  • NDLEA confiscates over N17m worth of illicit drugs

    NDLEA confiscates over N17m worth of illicit drugs

    The Rivers State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated over N17 million worth of cannabis compressed into 23 bags weighing 621kg each in Port Harcourt metropolis.

    The NDLEA State Commander, Rachael Shelleng, disclosed this while parading the seizures at the Rivers command in Port Harcourt on Sunday.

    She said that 0.029kg of cocaine, 0.006kg of heroine and 0.048kg of methamphetamine were also confiscated.

    The Commander explained that three male suspects have been apprehended in connection with the seizure and have been transfared to the Command Headquaters for further investigation.

    Shelleng disclosed that in the early hours of Feb. 20, based on high profile intelligence gathering, officers of the command successfully uncovered a cannabis warehouse in Abuja Estate and slaughter areas of Tran-Amadi in Port Harcourt.

    “Both Abuja Estate and Slaughter areas of Port Harcourt have been identified as very notorious spots for illicit drug peddling. Therefore, the agency will stop at nothing towards ensuring that those black spots and indeed the entire state is cleared from illicit drugs,” she said.

    The NDLEA boss, therefore, enjoined the public to avail the agency of actionable intelligence that would lead to riding the state of illicit drugs trade.

    She warned those who indulge in illicit production of methamphetamine to desist from the act.

    “There will be no more hiding place for illicit drug dealers because the NDLEA is poised fishing them all out.

    ‘The destructive effects of methamphetamine is quite enormous as it affects both users of the substance as well as non-user who may be residing around any clandestine laboratories,” she added.

    The Commander also attributed the successful operation to the laudable effort by Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who is the new Chairman/Chief Executive officer of the agency.

    “His effort is truly motivating officers to embark on offensive action against drug traffickers and dealers,” she noted.

    The NDLEA boss urged the state government and relevant stakeholders to support the agency towards strengthening its logistics to enable it effectively tackle the illicit drug market in the state.

    She, however, expressed appreciation to sister security agencies in the state, especially the Garrison Commander of 6 Division Nigerian Army.

    “Let me also appreciate the Rivers State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps for his support during the operation,”

  • ‘Easiest’ bust: Van carrying $140m illicit drugs crashes into Sydney police cars

    A van carrying more than 200 million Australian dollars, about 140 million US dollars worth of the illegal drug methyl amphetamine crashed into two patrol cars parked outside a police station in Sidney.
    The accident which took place on Monday outside Eastwood police station in north western Sydney was described by the police as one of their ‘easiest’ drug busts.
    “This would be one of the easiest drug busts NSW Police have ever made,” police spokesman Glyn Baker told reporters in Sydney on Tuesday.
    “This man has certainly had a very, very bad day. Crashing into a police vehicle with that amount of drugs on board is somewhat unheard of, it’s an exceptional set of circumstances.”
    A police officer stopped the van an hour later in the nearby suburb of Ryde.
    New South Wales police said the van was conveying 13 boxes with 273 kilograms of methyl amphetamine, known as ice, with an estimated street value of more than 200 million dollars in bags inside moving boxes.
    The 28-year-old man driving the van has been charged with large commercial drug supply and negligent driving.
    Police said no one was injured in the incident, but one of the police vehicles sustained significant damage.
    Australian authorities in the past have said the country has a “serious epidemic” of drug use with an “insatiable demand” for illicit substances.
    In February, an analysis of waste water data found Australians spent about 9.3 billion dollars on illicit drugs in a year, including an estimated 9.6 tons of methyl amphetamine, the most consumed drugs in Australia.