The Nigerian Navy has thwarted illegal attempts to transport Cannabis Sativa through Lagos waterways into communities around the state, recovering illicit goods worth N235 million.
The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS Beecroft, Apapa, and the Forward Operating Base, FOB, Badagry, respectively, recovered the bodies at Iworo, Ibeju, Pako Beach seafront, and other localities in the state.
The gathered stuff was hidden in 93 bags. A breakdown of the statistics indicated that the NNS Beecroft collected 66 bags worth at N200 million and the FOB Badagry retrieved 27 bags valued at N37 million.
Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, Commander NNS Beecroft, said to journalists after the transfer of the unlawful material to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, that “the substance was seized on different occasions around Iworo, Ibeju and the Badagry area of Lagos State, with an estimated market value of N200 million. It comprises 66 bags, each weighing 40kg, containing a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.”
He went on to say that as the Command’s patrol squad approached, the suspects abandoned the suspects and fled.
Navy Captain Adams Aliu, the Commanding Officer of FOB Badagry, said that:
“On Friday, September 29, 2023, at about 7pm,the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry received intelligence regarding suspected smuggling activities within our area of operation. The intelligence indicated that a boat was sighted offloading products suspected to be cannabis sativa at Pako Beach, close to Ajido, on the seaside of the FOB Badagry area of operation.
“Consequently, the Base Quick Response Team, led by the Base Operations Officer, proceeded to the scene of the crime for investigation and possible arrest. Upon sighting the team, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics at the beach and fled.
“Subsequently, a total of 27 bags of the suspected products, valued at about 35 million were recovered. The adjoining communities were also raided, but no other suspicious products or suspects were found.
“Accordingly, investigations are ongoing in conjunction with other security agencies to identify the drug trafficking syndicate and in due course, we will make arrests and initiate prosecution.
“Anyone interested in bringing drugs or illegal consignments into Nigeria should note that under the current leadership of Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla in the Nigerian Navy, it is impossible to do so. We will detect you with our surveillance equipment, apprehend you, and ensure your arrest and prosecution. Nigerian waters and the Nigerian littoral zone are not for illegal activities”.
NDLEA representatives, Merrs Paul Ahom and Dennis Fingere, complimented the Navy’s efforts and assistance for the agency in the battle against illicit substances after receiving the exhibits from both Commanders.
cc: Vanguard Ng
