... Secures $12 million fines, convictions
Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria: July 1, 2026: The Apapa Strategic Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA between June 2025 and June 2026 impounded 13 containers of various imported illicit drugs in collaboration with other security agencies operating at the port.
 |
| Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, Mohammed Tukur. |
Disclosing this in his remark at the NDLEA event in commemoration of the United Nations International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Lagos, the Strategic Commander of Apapa Strategic Command, Mohammed Tukur, said the Command also secured convictions/fines of over $12 million on two international vessels, and three years conviction on one male drug convict without the option of fine during the period under review.
According to him, "From June 2025 to June 2026, the Command intercepted and seized a total of 13 containers containing various illicit substances.
"These seizures include: Codeine-based syrups weighing approximately 162,471 445 kg (about 162.47 tonnes); 77 kg of Cocaine recovered from three International vessels; 8,107.5kg (about 8.1tonnes) of Cannabis Indica (Canadian Loud/Colorado); 1,516kg which about 1.5 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa respectively."
He also noted that the Command secured convictions/fines of over twelve million US dollars on two international vessels, and three years conviction on one male drug convict without the option of fine.
Tukur also noted that "these arrest and seizures reflect our continued determination in coordination and collaboration with key law enforcement agencies-the Nigerian Customs Services, NCS, the NAVY, the Department of State Security, DSS, the Nigeria Police and other stakeholder to prevent the use of Nigerian Maritimes gateways as channels for illicit drug supply.
"The observance of this day reminds us of the collective responsibilities we share in confronting the evolving challenges associated with drug trafficking and substance abuse.
"Beyond the immediate health concerns, illicit drug activities continue to undermine economic progress, contribute to insecurity,weaken communities, and threaten the future of our younger generation.
"This occasion therefore provides an avenue not only to reflect on the impact of the world drug problem, but also to strengthen collaboration, explore innovative approaches, improve preventive measures, and reinforce our commitment towards building a society free from the influence of illicit drugs.
"The theme for this year's celebration, "The World Drug Problem:Persisting Issues, New Challenges, Innovative Responses," draws attention to the changing nature of the global drug challenges and the need for adaptive,evidence-based, and coordinated solutions.
"The reality before us is that while significant progress has been made in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking, new challenges continue to emerge.
"Organized Criminal Networks are constantly adopting new methods of operation, exploiting technological advancements, and identifying new routes for the movement of illioit drugs. This requires a stronger commitment to intelligence-driven operations, collaboration, coordination, public awareness, and innovative strategies that address both supply and drug demand reduction.
"This vision aligns with the NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, campaign, an innovative response introduced under the able leadership of the Chairman Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Gen, Mohammed Buba Marwa, with the core objective of reducing drug demand, promoting awareness,and protecting vulnerable members of society,
"This programme forms part of the broader awareness campaign under the NDLEA's War Against Drug Abuse initiative,designed to extend the message of prevention beyond enforcement operations and into communities, schools, institutions and workplaces.
"In furtherance of our critical mandate to safeguard the nation's maritime ecosystem, from criminal exploitation, the Apapa Strategic Command has recorded notable successes in disrupting illict drug trafficking activities through the Premier port of Nigeria.
"While acknowledging the importance of the maritime sector as a pillar of international commerce and national economic development,we must equally remain conscious of the attempts by criminal networks to exploit this environment for unlawful activities.
"The ports and maritime corridors must remain secure spaces dedicated to legitimate trade and not become avenues for the movement of substances capable of damaging lives and destabilizing communities. However,through intelligence-led operations, public awareness, strong partnerships, technological advancement, and innovative responsive measures, we can confront emerging threats, disrupt the cycle of drug trafficking and abuse, to create a safer environment for present and future generations
"Permit me to acknowledge our amiable landlords the Nigerian Port Authority, NPA for providing us with an enabling environment and support to carry out our responsive responsibilities in the maritime corridor with distinction," he noted.
No comments:
Post a Comment