Wednesday, January 6, 2016

2015 review: NDLEA seized N3.7 bn drugs *183 drug suspects deported

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday, while reviewing achievements recorded in 2015, said it seized narcotic valued at N3.7 bn at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

The Agency also received a total 183 Nigerians made up of 176 males and 7 females deported on drug related offences.

Acting Chairman of the NDLEA, Mrs. Roli Bode-George said that the monetary value of seized drugs underscores the threat posed by illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.

She said: “Drug trafficking is a serious crime capable of undermining our security. The Agency is working very hard to seize drugs and financially incapacitate drug trafficking organisations. Efforts will be intensified to drastically reduce drug trafficking through continuous arrest and prosecution as well as drug demand reduction programmes. We must continue to channel our resources towards a safe and healthy society.”

NDLEA commander at the Lagos airport, Mr. Ahmadu Garba, while giving a breakdown of seized drugs said: “The airport command arrested 122 males and 20 females with 594.002k of drugs valued at N3.7 bn. The drugs consist of 172kg of cannabis, 160kg of ephedrine, 114kg of methamphetamine, 96kg of cocaine, 45kg of tramadol and 5kg of heroin.
“Out of the total number of those arrested, 55 were importing drugs from other countries, 62 others were exporting drugs out of the country while 25 were arrested within the State. Italy had the highest number of deportees with 55, Thailand 41, United States 24 and 17 from Norway. Other countries are South Africa 15, Spain 10, France and Saudi Arabia three each, while Brazil, China and Greece deported two persons each. One person each was deported from Zambia, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Peru, Indonesia, India Belgium, Austria and Argentina.”   

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