NDLEA: N6bn worth of hard drugs seized at Apapa port within six months

The Apapa area command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has seized some hard drugs worth over N6 billion between January and June 20.

Ameh Inalegwu, the area commander, said the command is ready to curb the menace of illegal drug dealers in the nation’s maritime space.

He said the illicit drugs weighs 19,703.25 kgs.

“This is already validated by the numerous seizures recorded in few months,”  Inalegwu said.

“The drugs seized within seven days included 1,518kgs of Tafrodol and Tramadol weighing 3,553 kilograms.

“This is in addition to the seizures of cough syrup with codeine in January, 40.25 kgs of the same cough syrup with codeine in February, 12 kgs of another cough syrup with codeine in March.

“The command also recovered 350 grams of cocaine and 150 grams of heroin in March.

“In summary, the command recorded a total seizure of 19,703.25kgs of assorted illicit drugs between January and June 20.”

He said the command is waging a war against drug cartels in the country, and that the NDLEA is determined to make the seaport impregnable for the criminals.

“Operation of the command in maritime corridor saddled it with the responsibility of waging war against drug cartels,” he added.

“NDLEA is mindful of the status of the sea port as a gate way and the limitless opportunities it offered to ship hard drugs in large volumes.

“The volumes that far outstrip what can be smuggled in through land or air transportation.

“However, NDLEA would make the port impregnable for the cartels.”