...NDLEA Arrests 37, Convicts 20
By Omolade Abdulkareem
Harboursandports.com: Lagos- November 11, 2024: In a bid to drastically reduce importation of Illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products through Tin Can Island Port, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has straightened it's partnership with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and other government agencies operating in the port.
This was made known in Lagos during the handing over of 16 containers of Illicit drugs and unregistered pharmaceutical products impounded by Customs to NDLEA and NAFDAC.
The Customs Area Controller, Dera Nnadi and Commander, NDLEA Tin Can Island Port Command, Mitchell Ofoyeju reaffirmed their commitment to enforcing strict regulations and combating illicit drug trafficking at the ports.
Speaking at the event, Nnadi said stressed the importance of teamwork between Customs and its partners, the NDLEA, the Nigerian Police, NAFDAC, the Department of State Security, DSS, and other government agencies.
Both agencies highlighted their collaborative efforts with other security stakeholders in the region, underscoring the significant progress made in the fight against narcotic trade and their commitment to national security.
Nnadi said, “This milestone would not have been possible without the support of our partners, who are dedicated to ensuring compliance and reform, stressing that the collective efforts of these agencies is crucial to stopping illegal activities at the port.
"Aware that yuletide is around the corner, I wish to reassure all our stakeholders that the Command will partner with those who are compliant to ensure there are no delays in their cargo delivery.
"Similarly, we are also using this opportunity to inform those who will dare our resolve that we are ready to enforce the requirements of our law," he said.
On his part, Ofoyeju, who was the former NDLEA spokesperson, in his speech restated the important role of intelligence sharing among the agencies, which he credited for the successful seizure of large quantities of illicit substances.
In his words, “There can be nothing better than this kind of collaboration," he noted.
Reflecting on the far reaching impact of drug trafficking on society, Ofoyeju said, “Imagine the cost to the society, to individuals, and to families if these drugs had escaped our watchful eyes."
He emphasized the importance of continued vigilance in safeguarding public health.
The NDLEA Commander further issued a strict warning to drug cartels, stating, “It’s either they turn away from their criminality or they will have their illicit substances seized, and their huge financial investments will go down the drain.”
He also revealed the NDLEA’s plans to trace the financial assets of traffickers to ensure that any illicit wealth accumulated is confiscated and returned to the federal government.
Ofoyeju pointed out that, "It is pertinent to note that since the beginning of the year 2024, we have apprehended a total of 37 suspects, comprising 34 males and 3 females, and we have also secured over 20 convictions with a seizure of over 330,835.79 kilograms of various assorted drugs."
The Commander attributed this success to the strategic partnerships between the Customs Service, the NDLEA, and other security agencies, which have contributed to better intelligence gathering and operational effectiveness.
“The relationship we enjoy today with the Nigeria Customs Service and other stakeholders is a product of good thinking and strategic employment,” Ofoyeju noted.
Ofoyeju also spoke on the NDLEA's "War Against Drug Abuse" campaign launched in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, that has served as a platform for Nigerians to seek help for those struggling with drug addiction through the NDLEA’s helpline which offers counseling and referral services.
"NDLEA’s leadership has introduced innovative measures such as drug testing kits, which allow individuals to quickly detect whether someone has consumed illicit substances.
"These kits, which can identify substances such as cocaine, tramadol, and nicotine, are part of the agency’s commitment to modernizing its operations and making drug prevention more accessible to the public. "This is the beauty of innovation, and the number to dial is 080010203040,” Ofoyeju stated.
He emphasized that these rapid drug test kits can help parents, employers, and the general public identify drug use, and take corrective action.
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