THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has smashed a major international drug syndicate that allegedly smuggles cocaine from South American countries to West Africa.
The substance, which weighs 450.4 kilogrammes, was unlawfully imported from Chile and it has an estimated street value of over N4 billion, which is the second largest seizure ever made in the country.
It was seized at the Tin Can Port, Lagos.
Some barons in the cartel, including two Chinese, have been apprehended.
Addressing journalists yesterday at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the country’s counter-narcotics battle.
Giade said: “The entire operation was intelligence-based and professionally-executed. This is the second largest seizure of cocaine next to the 14.2 tonnes made at the same port in 2006. The quantity is frightening and the street value paints a horrendous picture of the illicit drug trade.”
Apart from the estimated street value in the country, Giade added that the value would have doubled in Europe, adding: “The seizure is exciting to us. It is also a wake-up call for all hands to be on deck.”
The NDLEA boss assured Nigerians that investigations are ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate.
The anti-drug agency had kept tab on the consignment, which originated from Chile and passed through Peru, Bolivia and Antwerpen in Belgium to Tin Can Island Port.
On how the drug was packaged, Giade said “it was neatly concealed in customised floor wood inside a container, which was cleared and taken to a private warehouse at Iganmu, Lagos”.
He added that the agency is determined to send all drug barons out of circulation to prevent criminal acts capable of disrupting peace and stability in the country.
He said he had called for total security alertness in all entry and exit points, adding that state commanders have also been placed on red alert to ensure effective surveillance and prompt arrests and seizures of any illicit drug shipment.
The NDLEA boss commended the perseverance and commitment of the undercover officers,who spent days and nights on the field in making the operation a success. He promised that the country will not only sustain its leading position in drug control but also improve on it.
On the identities of those arrested, the NDLEA boss said that the suspects have international connections, adding that mentioning their names may jeopardise investigation.
Besides, he said the ship that conveyed the drugs cannot be sanctioned because she came with over 300 containers and just one was identified to be carrying the substance.
According to him, “it is against international law to parade suspects when investigation is ongoing, but he assured Nigerians that they would be charged to court accordingly”.
Giade also said that the clearing agents and other people closely linked to the seizure were also apprehended to ascertain their level of involvement, as all the clearing documents had fake addresses on them.
By Jonathan Eze
