NDLEA Intercepts N134.2 bn drugs at Tincan Port, awards officers

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) , Tincan Island Port Strategic Command has intercepted narcotic drugs worth N134.2 billion.

The Commander of Narcotics Ofoyeju Mitchell, said this during during the command’s 2024 Media Briefing and Awards Ceremony at Grimaldi Conference Hall, Tincan Island Port, Lagos.

He said the operational results had helped to insulate the economy from the adverse effects of criminal proceeds and promote public health and safety.

He said, “The year 2024 presented us with many challenges, but through teamwork, strategic planning, and intelligence-led operations, we have achieved remarkable milestones by disrupting the illicit drug trade, promoting community engagement, and deepening collaboration with stakeholders.”

Thirty-eight (38) drug suspects, including one female were apprehended during the period under review and seizure of 339,576.91 kg illicit drugs were made.

The breakdown is as follows: codeine 305,323.37 kg; tapentadol 13,370 kg; tafradol 11,230.8 kg; benzhexol 5,888.8 kg; cannabis indica 3,601.25 kg; methamphetamine 83.301 kg; cocaine 56.39 kg; and heroin 23 kg.

The estimated monetary value of the seized drugs is N134.2 billion.

A total of 12 convictions were secured while no fewer than 26 cases are pending at the law courts.

The commander, who noted that drugs and crime are intertwined, explained, “It is either the cartels are using proceeds of drugs to fund their acts of criminality or they rely on the influence of drugs to perpetrate heinous activities.

“This obviously underscores the crucial role of the NDLEA at the seaports in disrupting drug supply chains and mitigating the impact of criminal acts in our communities. 

“In January last year, we detected narcotic drugs, firearms, and ammunition in one container. The command will remain vigilant in protecting our country from the painful grip of kidnapping, gruesome murder, and related crimes that are aggravated by drugs.

“As frontline gatekeepers, we understand that these seizures and arrests have significantly contributed to the relative peace enjoyed by citizens across the length and breadth of our beloved country. It has equally enhanced a conducive environment for the ease of doing business in the maritime industry. Our mandate is to encourage legitimate commerce and eliminate any act of criminality that is injurious to economic growth. This is our modest contribution to national security, and we will leave no stone unturned until Tincan Island port is completely impenetrable by the drug trafficking cartels.”

Michelle stated further that in addition to enforcement measures, the NDLEA also focused on public education through the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign.

This, according to him, involves community awareness programmes to educate the public about the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse.

According to Mitchell, the impressive scorecard was made possible through shared commitment to promoting zero tolerance for drug trafficking, local and international collaboration, intelligence sharing, and efficient deployment of sniffer dogs with unprecedented capabilities to detect concealed drugs.

At the event, deserving outstanding officers were recognised with special awards for their excellence and commitment to service.

Commander Mitchell shared the award categories, which ranged from Most Productive Officer-in-Charge to Best WADA Media Partner of the Year.

The awards were designed to encourage best practices, enhance operational efficiency, and foster a culture of accountability and transparency among officers.

The commander was swift to add that the NDLEA “have rules of engagement that address actions against discipline.”

The list of awards and the recipients include the Most Productive Officer-in-Charge of the Year won by ACN Adefunke Akindele, Most Enterprising Officer of the Year won by ACN Muje Stephen, WADA Facilitator of the Year won by ACN Salihu Isa Machi, and Most Dedicated Officer of the Year won by CSN Audu Samuel.

Other awards include Best Dressed Officer of the Year won by SNA Mohammed Musa; and the Best WADA Media Partner of the Year won by Mr. Davidson Iriekpen of Thisday newspaper.

The event also marked the launch of the inaugural edition of the Tincan Strategic Command quarterly newsletter.

The publication, according to the NDLEA Command, aims to inform stakeholders of the command’s operations, community engagement activities, and significant achievements while promoting greater collaboration in the fight against drug abuse. 

“The dynamic drug trafficking trends have kept us on our toes. Apart from cannabis indica that is imported from Canada and the United States, pharmaceutical opioids from India, cocaine imported from South America, and heroin from the far east, like Pakistan and Iran.

“Within the period under review, we discovered the first shipment of methamphetamine from Canada. We will continue to monitor the trend and thwart every criminal manipulation,” the commander assured Nigerians.

Commander Mitchell expressed appreciation for the enabling environment provided by NDLEA Chairman, Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) to tackle the challenge of drug trafficking at the seaport.

He acknowledged the hard work and dedication of NDLEA personnel, as well as other stakeholders in the anti-narcotic campaign.

He noted that 2025 would be better than the previous year as efforts would be geared towards promoting professionalism, capacity building, stakeholder/community engagement, intelligence sharing, and exchange programs, among others.