The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 304,436 kg and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from various locations in Lagos and Ogun states.
The drugs were reportedly seized across different formations in both states from January 2022 till date, especially at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.
According to a statement released by the Director of Media and Advocacy for NDLEA, Femi Babafemi, the seized drugs were publicly destroyed in Badagry, Lagos. The open destruction reportedly took place on Tuesday, in compliance with court orders.
The NDLEA Director stated that the exhibits included “illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.”
Babafemi emphasised the importance of public support in the ongoing battle against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking. He further urged greater collaboration among stakeholders.
Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), the Chairman of NDLEA, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to traditional rulers, security heads, religious leaders, NGOs, and other stakeholders who witnessed the event.
“To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40, 042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug
“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 said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of local and international partners, including the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), United Kingdom NCA, and others, in aiding NDLEA’s operations.
“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”, he added.
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