Navy hands over N12.8m worth of seized cannabis to NDLEA

Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff

The Forward Operating Base (FOB) of the Nigerian Navy, Badagry, Lagos State, yesterday, handed over eight sacks of seized Cannabis sativa worth N12.8 million to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry.
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Internal Security Commander, Lt. Adedeji Adeyemi (representing FOB Commander, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu), said naval operatives seized the illicit drugs on Monday at Abojedo community, near Sultan Beach, Badagry.

He said the seizure followed a tip-off that suspected smuggling activities were taking place in the area. According to him, an intelligence report indicated that some persons were seen offloading products suspected to be Cannabis sativa at Abojedo community, seaside of the FOB Area of Operations.

“Consequently, the Base Quick Response Team proceeded to the scene of the crime for investigation and possible arrest. The team conducted a cordon-and-search operation in the area and recovered eight sacks of the suspected weeds valued at N12.8 million. The suspected smugglers fled the scene upon sighting our patrol team. The adjoining communities were also searched but no other products or suspects were found,’’ he said.

Recall that the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Mustapha Hassan, on November 9, 2023, launched ‘Operation Water Guard’.

The operation aims to deny smugglers and other criminal elements freedom of action within Badagry and also ensure security and economic stability of the region.

Adeyemi said the handover was in line with the Harmonised Standard Operating Procedures for Arrest, Detention and Prosecution of Persons (2016).

Receiving the exhibits, the Assistant Commander, Narcotics, Emmanuel Ogbogoh (representing NDLEA Area Commander, Seme Special Command, Owen Dinneys), promised that investigation would begin on the seized items.

He assured that whoever was involved in the illegal drugs smuggling would be punished. Ogbogoh commended the Nigerian Navy for collaborating with NDLEA in tackling drug trafficking in the country. He stressed that handing over of the seized substance showed that the NDLEA could not fight the menace alone.
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