About 40 parcels of cocaine weighing 43.11kg with an estimated street value of over N32 billion were confiscated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Tincan Port, Lagos.
The Commander, Tincan Port command, NDLEA, Sumaila Ethan, disclosed this on Tuesday in a statement by the Head of Public Affairs, Jonah Achema, in Abuja.
According to Mr. Ethan, the agency had continued its aggressive action against drug barons and cartels in Nigeria with the latest seizure in recent times.
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 Feb. 8, to clear it.
“Mr Ethan also stated that the two clearing agents were promptly 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.
“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,” the commander.
One of the suspects said, “I am an adult and I am fully aware of what I was going into.
“I agree that somebody gave it to me but I offered to carry it.”
Mr Achema said Mr Elechi confirmed that he was promised N3 million upon safe delivery of the drugs to somebody in Nigeria, adding he was in Nigeria preparatory to his wedding in January, 2021.
The Commander, NDLEA Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Kabir Taskuwa, said there was no underestimating the imagination of drug merchants.
“What is expected of us is not only to counter their devices but to think ahead of them.
”As we can see, any step they take, we are many steps ahead, hence the results we are seeing.
“I wish to promise them more frustration.” NAN