NDLEA intercepts cocaine worth over N32bn, arrests 2 suspects in Lagos

*The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it apprehended two clearing agents who reportedly brought a consignment bearing 40 parcels confirmed to be cocaine worth over N32 billion from Brazil into Nigeria at the Tincan Port in Lagos

Emmanuel Akosile | ConsumerConnect

In its renewed vigour for offensive actions against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has confiscated 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kilogram (100.05pds), with an estimated street value of over N32 billion.

The consignment containing the illicit drug was put under surveillance by operatives of the Tincan Command of the NDLEA for some days until two clearing agents showed up on Monday, February 8, 2021 to clear it.

Sumaila Ethan, Commander of Tincan Port Command of NDLEA, at a media briefing in

Tuesday, February 9 in the Ikoyi office of the agency, revealed the two clearing agents were promptly arrested and the consignment reportedly brought into Nigeria from Brazil on board a vessel marked MV SPAR SCORPIO, properly searched.

Ethan said: “After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations tested positive to cocaine.

“The two clearing agents have been taken into custody while we continue with the investigation.

“The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.

He also attributed the success on the latest operation to the encouragement received from the newly appointed Chairman of the NDLEA.

Ethan said: “We appreciate our Chairman/Chief Executive, Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd.) who provided guidance all through the operations.”

The Tincan port seizure is coming on the heels of similar ones at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as from the FCT, Edo, Katsina, Nasarawa, and Benue state Commands in the last three weeks.

In his remark, Gen. Marwa commended the Commander, officers, and men of the Tincan Port Command for the operation, as he charged them and other Commands across the country to remain vigilant and on red alert.

The NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive stated: “The successes we’re recording in the last three weeks can only serve as a challenge to raise the bar and do more.

“We’ll continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs.