TheCable

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it intercepted 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kg at the Tincan Port, Lagos state.

In a statement, Sumaila Ethan, commander, Tincan Port command, said the cocaine is worth over N32 billion.

Ethan said the agency has continued its offensive against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria.

He said the consignment containing the illicit drug was put under surveillance by operatives of the Tincan command of the NDLEA for some days until two clearing agents showed up on February 8 to clear it.

Ethan said the two clearing agents were arrested and the consignment, which was brought into Nigeria from Brazil on board a vessel marked MV SPAR SCORPIO, properly searched.

“After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations tested positive to cocaine,” he said.

“The two clearing agents have been taken into custody while we continue with the investigation.

“The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.

“We appreciate our Chairman, Rtd Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who provided guidance all through the operations.”

Ethan said the Tincan Port seizure was coming on the heels of similar seizures at Lagos and Abuja airports as well as in Edo, Katsina, Nasarawa and Benue commands in the past three weeks.

He commended the officers and men of the Tincan Port command for the operation.

“We’ll continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency, and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs,” he said.