DRUG TRAFFICKING: NDLEA, ARMY RAID MUSHIN, RECOVER 3,166.15KG OF CANNABIS, COCAINE, HEROIN & METHAMPHETAMINE

A combined team of officers with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Army have carried out a raid on Akala area of Mushin, a notorious criminal hideout in Lagos. The operation which lasted several hours at the weekend led to the arrest of 47 suspected drug traffickers and addicts with the seizure of 3,166.15kg of narcotics including cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency Ahmadu Giade commended the Nigerian Army Commander, 9 Brigade Lagos, Brigadier General Adeniyi Oyebade for giving the needed back-up because of the notoriety of the area. “The Agency will continue to gather intelligence reports and conduct raids on criminal hideouts. We are prepared to clean-up Lagos. This operation is a pointer to the fact that no criminal location is invincible. The understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Army is highly commendable” Giade stated.In his reaction, Brig. General Oyebade urged stakeholders to support the NDLEA in the eradication of illegal drugs in our society. In his words, “illicit drugs induce crime and aggravate insecurity. Considering the problem of drugs we are ready to assist the NDLEA whenever they call on. I also urge other stakeholders to partner with the Agency in making the country drug-free”.NDLEA Lagos State commander, Mr. Aliyu Sule said that a cannabis warehouse was discovered during the raid operation. A total of 47 suspected drug traffickers including addicts were apprehended. They include 42 males and five females. “An illegal warehouse was discovered at the scene of operation where 3,166.15kg of drugs mainly cannabis was seized. There were also 31.4 grammes of heroin, 292 grammes of cocaine and 1.9 grammes of methamphetamine which were prepared in pinches meant for local consumption” Sule stated.The commander added that the operation is the second raid on Akala in the last seven days. The first operation according to him led to the seizure of 187.355kg of cannabis.It will be recalled that the NDLEA Chairman met with Governor Babatunde Fashola in February 2013 where the Agency solicited for State support on how to arrest the rise of drug trafficking syndicates following the discovery of several methamphetamine production laboratories in the State.Investigation has commenced and all those found culpable shall be prosecuted while the addicts shall be placed on counselling.