Navy hands over N6m cannabis sativa, suspect to NDLEA – Blueprint Newspapers Limited

The Nigerian Navy (NN) Wednesday handed over 13 sacks of cannabis sativa worth N6 million and one suspect to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Badagry area of Lagos.

Speaking on the arrest, the Commanding Officer Forward Operating Base, Badagry, Navy Capt Adams Aliu,  said the items were arrested on August 24 and 27, 2023  at different places in Badagry

“On Aug. 24, at about 10.00.p.m, the Base quick response team acting on an intelligence report raided some hideouts at Ashipa, in the Seme border.

“We discovered a particular building where cannabis sativa is being brought in from the Benin Republic and then distributed.

“One suspect was arrested with four sacks of cannabis sativa,” he said.

Adams-Aliu stated that on Aug.v27, the team apprehended 9 sacks of cannabis sativa valued at N5m.

“Another different raid on Aug.27 at about 2.30.p.m. the team seized another 9 sacks of cannabis sativa at a place called Akoro beach near the Seme border.

“On sighting us, they fled but we were able to recover the cannabis sativa. The hard drugs were smuggled into the country from Benin Republic.

“No suspect was arrested because they ran away,” he said.
Speaking after handing over to Chief Superintendent of Narcotics Alli Gambo, Badagry Marine,,
Adams-Aliu said this was in compliance with the Nigerian Navy Trinity of action.

According to the commanding officer, this includes surveillance, response initiatives and law enforcement.

“Our response initiative is what led to this arrest, why we are here today, which means we are in the third phase of action.

“This is handing over the suspect and the arrested items to NDLEA for them to take over the case.

“The Commanding Officer recalled that after the Chief of Naval Staff, Air-Vice Marshal E. I. Ogala was appointed in June, 2023, he came out with his strategic directive.

“CNS strategic directive No.6 of 2023, paragraph 9, states clearly that the strategic end-state of Nigeria Navy operations is to ensure a safe and secure maritime environment.

“It is not possible that criminals will have safe passage within Nigeria waters. This is a warning to all criminal elements thinking that Nigeria waters can be for criminal activities,” he said.