The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Saturday publicly destroyed assorted illicit drugs seized across Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States.
The destroyed drugs weighing about 1.6 million kilograms is till date the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the agency.
Government officials, traditional rulers, clergymen, representatives of other security agencies, international partners, NGOs and community leaders were among those who witnessed the public destruction of the illicit substances.
The setting ablaze of the seized drugs was carried out at an isolated location in Ipara town, on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Ogun state.
Some of the seized illicit drugs set ablaze include 123 kilograms of cocaine; 46.8 kilograms of heroin; 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis; 148,000 kilograms of codeine syrup; 3,244.26 kilograms of tramadol; 1,544 kilograms of skuchies; and 111 kilograms of methamphetamine, among others.
In his speech at the event,
the occasion, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, retired Brig.- Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa said the public destruction of the seized drugs was a testament to the agency’s steadfast commitment to tackling the scourge of drug trafficking in the country.
He said : “The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6 million kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed.
“The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble.
“At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence.”
He warned those involved in the business of drug trafficking that the times have changed and there will be no breathing space or any safe haven for them in Nigeria.
In his words : “To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed.
“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.
“At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law.
“In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”
Marwa expressed appreciation to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo for their support for the Commands and operations of the Agency in their respective states.
The NDLEA Chairman who was represented at the occasion by the Agency’s Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, justified the public destruction of the confiscated drugs.
“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability.
“By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking.
“This exercise is not merely symbolic—it is forensic, grounded in evidence.
“Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items.
“The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution,” he stated.
According to him, the event represents a significant milestone in the history of the Agency because.
“It is the public destruction of the largest seized narcotics across a spectrum of commands under NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11, which comprise the Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, Lagos Seaports, Idiroko Border Command, and Seme Border Command.”
He added that “while this accomplishment reflects our determination, it also underscores the scale of the challenge we continue to face.”
The Chairman commended the unwavering dedication of our officers of the agency who he said have been “working tirelessly to ensure that we do not fail in our assigned task of curbing illicit drug trafficking.”
Marwa also thanked both local and international partners who have continued to contribute to the success of the work of the Agency.
“Likewise, our international partners—such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts.
“I am also deeply grateful to First Bank of Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Sterling Bank, and other stakeholders including the Nigerian Military, Customs, Police, Civil Defence, Immigration, FRSC, NAFDAC, and a host of others for their support, embodying the collaborative spirit necessary for effective drug control in society,” he stated.
In his remark at the ceremony, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, retired AIG Olusola Subair, commended the efforts of the leadership and personnel of NDLEA for their courage, professionalism, and consistent efforts in intercepting illicit drugs before they get to communities and streets.
Subair stated that “Their work in saving lives, in strengthening communities and upholding the rule of law is well appreciated.”
He stated that the state government remains a committed partner in the fight against drug-related crime.
While noting that the drug scourge is a social, economic and public health crisis, Governor Abiodun said :“We must invest in prevention through education, through counseling and youth empowerment initiatives.
“We must strengthen rehabilitation centres and provide support systems for those battling addiction.”
(vitalnewsngr.com)
