‘Tougher times await drug barons’ — NDLEA destroys ‘N194bn’ cocaine seized in Lagos

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Tuesday, destroyed “1.8 tonnes of cocaine” seized in Lagos state.

 

Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, announced the development in a statement.

 

Recall that NDLEA recently said it seized 1.8 tonnes of cocaine worth N194 billion from a warehouse in Ikorodu area of Lagos.

 

NDLEA had described the development as one that “appears to be the biggest singular cocaine seizure” in the history of the agency.

Five persons, including a Jamaican and a warehouse manager, were also arrested.

 

Speaking on the destruction of the illicit drugs on Tuesday, NDLEA said 1,828 blocks out of the seized cocaine would be “crushed”, while the remaining would be secured for the purpose of prosecution of suspects.

 

Babafemi said the suspects were also brought to witness the process and sign a “certificate of destruction”.

 

In his remarks, Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, who was represented by Sunday Joseph, director of prosecution and legal service of the agency, said a total of 2,904 drug offenders are serving various jail terms, while other cases are ongoing in courts.

 

“The bust of the syndicate resposible for the cocaine warehoused in Ikorodu is a message to drug cartels that their investments in the illicit drugs trade will go up in flames as you are about to witness, while they also risk losing their freedom because the present NDLEA is committed to arresting, prosecuting and ensuring the conviction of those involved in illicit drugs,” Marwa was quoted as saying.

 

“That is not all. We now also go after their assets acquired through with the proceeds of the criminal trade.”

 

Marwa also urged citizens to support the agency in the war against drug abuse.

 

 “The safety of our society is the responsibility of everyone of us and every citizen shall be fulfilling his or her civic duty by assisting the agency to clean up our communities and cities by joining our war against drug abuse (WADA). Together, we can make this country secure,” he said.