The Zonal Commander of Zone H, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Segun Oke, has stated that the seaport terminal operators are critical stakeholders in the fight against drug trafficking in the country.
Oke, who disclosed this during the week in Lagos during an engagement dialogue between terminal owners and operators with a focus on War Against Drug Abuse (WADA), said due to the volume of illicit drug that passes through the seaport, the collaboration became necessary.
He also stated that recently, the agency intercepted three million opioid capsules of Tapentadol and Caprisoprodol 1,500kg at Lagos terminal on March 7, “that is why NDLEA is working towards having a cordial relationship with terminal operators to make the fight against drug war achievable.”
Oke further explained that despite the counter-narcotic efforts by the NDLEA and other government agencies, a sizeable amount of illicit drugs gain passes through extensive seaports, airports and land borders.
He remarked that there is the prevalence increases of illicit drugs activities in the country is a veritable tool for terrorism financing, corruption inducement, political instability and undermine economic development, “this has tainted Nigeria international image and the negative effects are highly felt in the rising level of insecurity and drug-related crimes in the country.”
In her remarks, the Director, Seaport Operations, Omolade Faboyede, said the countless seizures of tons of substances such as Colorado, Tramadol, Cough Syrup with codeine, Cocaine and Heroin at the seaport and the corresponding seizures at camps of terrorists and kidnappers explain why there is a national concern to address the drug menace.
She commended the NDLEA boss for being able to strike the delicate balance between reducing the supply of drugs and abuse.
