The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported seizing over 750 tons of illicit drugs in the last three years, according to the agency’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Mohammed Marwa (rtd.).
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday. The new facility was built and donated by the British government to support the agency’s fight against maritime drug trafficking.
Marwa highlighted the importance of collaborations with other maritime law enforcement agencies, which have significantly bolstered drug seizures and arrests. “We upgraded the Marine Unit to a full-fledged command in 2022, and since then, our balance sheet of arrests and drug seizures within the maritime space has shown an upward trend,” he said. Over the past three years, these efforts have resulted in the arrest of 41 suspects, 15 of whom have been prosecuted and jailed.
Through extensive operations at various ports, the NDLEA has intercepted a range of narcotics, including cocaine, codeine, tramadol, methamphetamine, and Loud. Marwa emphasized the evolving tactics of traffickers, who now use private vessels, such as luxury yachts, modified pump boats, and fishing trawlers, to evade detection. He called for continuous inter-agency collaboration, pointing out that these trafficking activities are often linked to organized crime, terrorism, and human trafficking.
British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter attended the inauguration and reiterated the UK’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA’s mission. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Secretary to the State Government Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, commended the agency for its relentless efforts in safeguarding citizens and enhancing security within the state.
The NDLEA cited United Nations data showing West Africa as a major transit hub for narcotics, with drug traffickers frequently using maritime routes. Marwa’s remarks underscored the pressing need for enhanced security measures to curb the spread of illicit drugs and combat the threats they pose to public safety and regional stability.
