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| Seized drugs on fire |
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, has destroyed 304,436 kilogrammes and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized in Lagos and Ogun states in Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria.
Speaking at a brief ceremony in Badagry, Lagos, the Agency's Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), said the open destruction of the seized illicit drugs followed court orders, while also calling for more public support for ongoing efforts by the NDLEA and other stakeholders to combat the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
"Though a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court," the head of the NDLEA said, adding that the items being disposed of were of a variety of substances, "which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others."
He stated that the drugs were seized by NDLEA operatives in various formations throughout Lagos and Ogun states between January 2022 and the present, particularly at Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.
To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40, 042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.” He expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, heads of security agencies, the clergy, members of NGOs and CSOs, as well as other stakeholders who witnessed the ceremony.
“The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the Agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution. We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion. To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise," he added.
He used the opportunity to thank the agency's local and international partners, "especially the American Drug Enforcement Administration (US-DEA), United Kingdom NCA, Border Force; the Germans, the French, and the Indian NCB, among others, who had worked with us on a number of busts." Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies, such as Customs, Immigration, Police, Civil Defence, FRSC, NFIU, NAFDAC, and others, for their assistance in ridding Nigeria of illicit drugs."
While assuring that the NDLEA will not give up in its efforts to eradicate the country's drug problem, Marwa called for increased public support for the agency's activities. "We are all responsible for the safety of our society. Every citizen must carry out his or her civic duty by assisting the Agency's War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign to clean up our communities and cities. "Together, we can make this country secure," he said.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was represented by Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr. Olusegun Onilude, who expressed satisfaction with the NDLEA's efforts to combat the country's illicit drug problem. "Almost all crimes and criminalities are fueled by illicit drugs, so the Lagos state government commends the NDLEA and its leadership for their unwavering fight against illegal drugs.
He expressed concern about the amount of illegal drugs being destroyed in the area.