BEVERLY HILLS, February 10, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s drug police have intercepted 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11 kilogrammes with an estimated street value of over N32 billion (about $85 million) at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos.
The Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the port, Mr. Sumaila Ethan, who disclosed the discovery in a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Jonah Achema, said the cargo came to Lagos from Sao Paulo, Brazil.
According to Ethan, the consignment containing the illicit drug was placed under surveillance by NDLEA operatives at the Tin Can Island Command for days until two clearing agents showed up on February 8 attempting to clear it.
Ethan said the two clearing agents had been arrested and the consignment (which came on board a vessel, marked MV SPAR SCORPIO) properly searched.
“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.
“We appreciate our Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who provided guidance all through the operations,” the Commander said.
Ethan stated that the Tin Can Island port seizure was coming on the heels of similar ones at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as from the FCT, Edo State, Katsina State, Nasarawa State and Benue State commands in the last three weeks.
He commended the officers and men of the Tin Can Port Command for the success recorded.
“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,” Ethan stated.
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