Date Published: 10/03/11

NDLEA seizes drugs worth N1.6 Billion At MMIA

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized drugs worth N1.6 billion at MurtalaMuhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, between January and September, a statement said.

Mr Ahmadu Giade, the Chairman of NDLEA, in the statement made available to newsmen in Lagos on Monday, said 92 suspected traffickers, comprising 82 males and 10 females, were arrested at the airport during the period.

It also said that the agency seized 203.849kg of illicit drugs during the period.

Giadescored the agency’s operations high as the nation celebrates its 51st Independence anniversary and pledged that drug barons would not be allowed to overrun the country with their illicit wealth.

“The NDLEA will resist attempts by drug trafficking syndicates to overrun our country. We are determined to incapacitate them by constant drug seizures, assets forfeiture, arrests and prosecution.

“Imagine a situation where drug barons would have made N1.6 billion at the Lagos airport alone. Our efforts will be geared towards the prevention of the huge profit in drug sales” Giade promised.

The NDLEA boss identified airport interdiction, regular seizures of narcotics, zero tolerance for corruption and international collaboration as the country’s unique selling points in counter-narcotics programmes.

He said the agency had justified its establishment with giant strides as it could not afford to be ineffective because of the consequences of drug trafficking and abuse.

“Every successful case of drug trafficking is risky and portends danger to the society.

"It increases the resources, power and influence of drug lords to the detriment of legitimate governments.

“We must, therefore, continue to emasculate drug trafficking cartels to perpetually subject them under our control” Giade said.

He called on stakeholders to increase support for drug control programmes, saying any investment and sacrifice in securing the country from the activities of drug barons was a prudent step toward protecting lives and property.

(NAN)