NDLEA, Customs Join Forces To Combat Drug Cartels

In a collaborative effort to tackle drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) have united to disrupt illicit activities at the Tincan Seaport in Lagos.

Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, and Comptroller General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi of the NCS, praised the synergy between their agencies, emphasizing its impact on dismantling drug cartels.

During a ceremony at the Tincan Seaport on Thursday, January 25, 2024, the NCS handed over illicit drugs seized during joint examinations with the NDLEA and other security agencies. These seizures were based on credible intelligence from international partners.

Representing Marwa at the event, the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, hailed the cooperation between the agencies as a testament to their commitment to securing the nation’s borders. He highlighted the significance of the collaboration in sending a clear message to drug cartels that Nigeria will not tolerate criminal activities at its ports.

The collaborative efforts aim to close loopholes exploited by criminal elements for smuggling illicit substances into the country. Babafemi commended the dedication of both agencies’ officers and personnel in tracking and intercepting the seized containers, which contained various illicit drugs.

Echoing Babafemi’s sentiments, the Customs CG emphasized the effectiveness of strategic partnerships in combating criminal threats. He underscored the importance of pooling resources and intelligence to safeguard the nation’s borders and protect citizens from the dangers posed by illegal substances.

The items transferred included packets of Colorado cannabis, cocaine parcels, and precursor chemicals seized from containers imported from Canada and South Africa. These seizures represent a significant blow to drug trafficking operations attempting to infiltrate the country.

The collaborative efforts between the NDLEA and Customs signify a united front against drug cartels, reinforcing the commitment of both agencies to uphold the rule of law and safeguard national security.