Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Seme Border Command of Lagos have intercepted 5,863kg of compressed cannabis.
The illegal consignment, said to originate from Ghana, were smuggled through the waterways but were seized in two separate operations at Badagry, Lagos State.
Four suspected drug traffickers including a Ghanaian were also apprehended in connection with the seized weeds
NDLEA commander at Seme Border, Mr.UdotongEssien, said that the first consignment of cannabis weighing 3,525kg was discovered in a clandestine warehouse where a Ghanaian and two female Nigerians were apprehended.
He identified the suspects as 38-year-old Adoboe Nana Shelter (Ghanaian), Falilat Sadiq (39) and Mary Ige Joseph(39).
The following day, the command made a similar seizure of cannabis weighing 2,338kg being smuggled in a bus meant for distribution in Lagos. A male suspect, Bola Adigun, was equally arrested in respect of the second seizure.
According to the NDLEA, the Ghanaian, who claimed to be a fisherman, said in his statement that he illegally imported cannabis into the country because of the huge profit involved.
“I am a fisherman from the Volta region of Ghana. A friend introduced me to the hemp business because of the profit. The two women work with me in distributing the drug in Lagos. This is my first arrest and I promise to quit drug trafficking if released,” Shelter said.
The NDLEA Chairman, Col. Muhammad Abdallah (retd.), described the seizures as a victory against the activities of drug trafficking syndicates working at the Seme border.
He said, “I am very pleased with the latest seizure by Seme border command. The illicit activities of the criminal group has been closely monitored by undercover officers until it was expedient to intercept the drugs.
“This is a demonstration of our capacity to dislodge drug trafficking groups in the country. We are taking legal steps to sanction those arrested for smuggling the drugs and also forfeit both the warehouse and vehicles used in conveying the drugs.”
“These are essential elements in ensuring absolute dismantling of drug trafficking cartels. Let me warn that the entire border and waterways are under our watch to uncover drug smuggling and prosecute offenders in accordance with the NDLEA Act.”
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