NDLEA boss seeks integrated drug control approach

Chairman/chief executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, has advocated for an integrated approach in the control of illicit drug trafficking.

Abdallah made the disclosure while commenting on the first quarter report of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) Lagos.

The Airport commander of the agency arrested 30 suspected drug traffickers, comprising 26) males and four females while 100.545kgs of narcotic drugs valued at N574 million were seized between January and March 2016.

According to Abdallah, “we must continue to develop integrated programmes in tackling the problem of drug trafficking and related organised crimes at various levels. Deliberate steps should be taken to improve regional and international drug control measures aimed at dislodging drug syndicates.

“These include robust collaboration, increased funding, use of modern technology in drug crime prevention and exchange of criminal intelligence.”

The chairman added that most cocaine seizures made originated from Dubai, while methamphetamine was destined for South Africa and Asia.

“We also observed the smuggling of psychotropic substances to African countries. There was a seizure of Raphynol to Ghana, Diazepam to Liberia and Tramadol hidden in DJ Rack Box to Congo Brazzaville. The NDLEA will therefore remain dynamic in its operations and maintain a clear lead over criminal organisations.

“The Agency recorded a remarkable success with the discovery of a super methamphetamine production laboratory in Asaba where four Mexicans were apprehended with other Nigerians,” Abdallah stated.

NDLEA commander at the airport, Ahmed Garba, gave the breakdown of the seized drugs as follows: cocaine 18.460kgs, methamphetamine 29.400kgs cannabis 3.075kgsTramadol 21.990kgs and Diazepam 30.620kgs.

“The suspected drug traffickers arrested in the first quarter had been charged to court and the cases are ongoing. Many special operations were conducted including that involving an abandoned luggage containing 2.240kgs of cocaine from Dubai.

“The Agency traced the bag to one Egbuche Fidelis Osita and four others. A total of 61 Nigerians, 60 males and one female were deported to the country for various drug offences,” Ahmed said.

Two of the suspects, Akaocha Samuel Jekwu, 42 years old, and Ekemezie Obumneme, 38 years old, ingested 85 wraps of cocaine each weighing 1.720kg from Dubai.