TheCable

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has destroyed over 560068 kg of illicit drugs, the “largest to be destroyed in a single exercise” in the agency’s history. 

The destruction of the illicit drugs took place on Thursday in Badagry, Lagos state.

According to the NDLEA, the illicit drugs, which were set ablaze during the exercise, included cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ephedrine, cannabis sativa, and tramadol.

The items were said to have been seized by the agency’s commands at the Murtala Mohammed international airport, Lagos zone, Seme special area, and from persons convicted by the federal high court.

“A breakdown of the 560,068.31414 kilograms of the illicit substances burnt at a brief ceremony in Badagary area of Lagos include: 7,414.519kg cocaine; 161,206kg heroin; 1,144.8kg methamphetamine; 60,144kg ephedrine; 311,416.19162kg cannabis sativa; 10,091.83kg khat; 273.223kg tramadol; 0.000170kg benylin with codeine and 8,207.7505kg of other psychotropic substances,” a statement by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesman, reads.

Speaking during the exercise, Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, said the agency will widen its scope beyond drug supply reduction to drug demand reduction and prevention programmes.

“I stand here today before you to give the assurance that NDLEA will continue to explore various ways, legal and within the ambit of orthodox drug law enforcement, to address the drug problem in the country,” he said.

“And there is no better time than now to adopt evidence-based programmes and policies to counter the destructive impact of the drug scourge, which has pervaded our society in the past few years.

“In everything we do, we strive to align our efforts with international best practices. Only a few weeks ago, NDLEA launched a 24/7 toll-free call centre for people who are drug-dependent or suffering from drug use disorder, their families, employers of labour, and members of the public who need any form of help.

“The centre, which has a team of dedicated, well-trained professionals in the mental health practices including psychologists, psychotherapist, psychiatrist and counsellors, currently receives calls in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo languages.

“We equally appreciate the contribution of our local and international partners, who are instrumental to the successes we have recorded. We also thank members of society who are working with us to safeguard the health of our communities.

“I urge all stakeholders in this campaign against abuse and trafficking of illicit substances to not relent but intensify support for NDLEA.

“On our part, we will continue to identify new approaches and expand our scope of operations to ensure that our communities, states and country is safe, healthy, and secure.”

See photos of the exercise below.