NDLEA foils attempt to smuggle N10m drug through water

A West African drug syndicate, which attempted to escape arrest by taking the illicit items through the water ways, has been nabbed.

 The syndicate, comprising Beninese, Ghanaian and a Nigerian were arrested by the Marine Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The value of the drug recovered from them by security agents was pegged at N10million

 According to the agency’s spokesman, Mr. Ofoyeju Mitchell the syndicate employed the services of fishermen in smuggling 1,020.5kg of compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis.

 

Mitchell said: “The marine officers attached to the Apapa Port Command Lagos intercepted the drug on Nigerian waters during patrol. Five suspected fishermen comprising Beninese, Ghanaian and a Nigerian have been arrested in connection with the illegal importation of the drug from Ghana. This is the highest single seizure of cannabis made by the Marine Unit since its establishment. The drug has a street value of N10 million.”

 

The image maker further said that the five suspects conveying the drugs in a motorized boat at the time of arrest have been identified as; Joseph Akpe, 36, Nigerian, Gabriel Fokito, 32, Ghanaian, Zutah Edward, 42, Ghanaian, Ameriato Tafe, 30, Beninese and Celestine Azarante, 27, Beninese.

NDLEA Apapa Port Commander, Mr. Nse Jack said that the compressed cannabis originated from Ghana.

 

Jack said: “Officers of the Marine Unit, Apapa Port Command of the Agency intercepted a boat containing 23 consignment of compressed dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa concealed in white sacks and wrapped in black polythene. The shipment originated from Ghana through Benin Republic. Those under investigation include two citizens of Ghana, two citizens of Benin Republic and a Nigerian.”

According to Joseph Akpe who led other suspects, “We were given N100, 000 as part payment for logistics. We would have collected a balance of N250, 000 if not for the arrest.”

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade commended the marine officers for their vigilance leading to the arrest, adding: “This is a warning to drug barons that the Agency is prepared to halt their illicit drug activities on water, land and on the air. I commend the arresting officers for their vigilance.”

The NDLEA boss added that the Agency will further strengthen the Marine Unit for effective patrol of Nigerian waters.