The NDLEA operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence
By Titilope Adako
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs seized in Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states.
According to NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi, the operation, which took place on Saturday at Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in Ogun State, is the largest of such destruction in the agency’s history.
“The destroyed illicit drugs were the largest volume of seizures to be set ablaze at a time in the history of the agency,” Babafemi said.
“Some of the illicit drugs destroyed include 123kgs of cocaine; 46.8kgs of heroin; 1.4m kgs of cannabis; 148,000kgs of codeine syrup; 3,244.26kgs of tramadol; 1,544kgs of skuchies; and 111kgs of methamphetamine, among others.”
NDLEA Chairman, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said:
“The sheer volume of seizures, which totals approximately 1.6m kilograms, serves as a reminder of the grave danger these substances pose to public health until they are completely and irreversibly destroyed.
“The NDLEA operates under a clear mandate to reduce these narcotics to rubble. At all times, we discharge this duty with the utmost seriousness and diligence.
“To those still involved in the illicit drug trade, we will persist in reminding them that times have changed. The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its commitment to providing the leadership and political will required to eradicate this menace.
“At the NDLEA, we are fully prepared to pursue our objective of holding accountable those who defy the law. In the past four years, we have successfully prosecuted and got convicted 10,572 such offenders, who are now serving various jail terms.”
Marwa was represented by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Director of Assets and Financial Investigation (DAFI), who said:
“The rationale is simple: to show transparency and accountability. By making this process open, we affirm our collective resolve against the insidious activities of illicit drug trafficking. This exercise is not merely symbolic — it is forensic, grounded in evidence.
“Random laboratory tests are carried out to confirm the authenticity of the seized items. The substances are destroyed with the approval of the court after the cases linked to them have been brought to closure, following arrests and successful prosecution.”
He also acknowledged the support of international and local partners.
“Likewise, our international partners such as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA); International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Bureau (INL) of the US; United Kingdom Border Force; National Crime Agency (NCA) of the UK, the French Police; the German Police, and others — who are playing pivotal roles in bolstering our efforts.
Join us on our Whatssap Platform @KOIKIMEDIA NEWS YOUR PAGE
KoikiMedia Bringing the World 🌎 Closer to Your Doorstep