The Nigerian Navy on Friday intercepted 127 bags of cannabis sativa worth N254 million and several jerry cans and drums of Automotive Gas Oil popularly known as diesel in a fibre boat at Eleko Beach, Lekki, and in the vicinity of Liverpool, Apapa, Lagos State, respectively.
In a press statement made available to our correspondent on Sunday, the Commander, NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, stated that the interceptions were possible through intelligence gathered from the State-of-the-Art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.
He said the NNS patrol team first confiscated 113 bags of Cannabis Sativa at the beach and further extended their search along the Badagry route, and they arrested an additional 14 bags.
Oguntuga further stated that the criminals, upon sighting the team, abandoned the narcotics and boat and fled while the team secured the boat and illicit drugs.
He said, “Acting on credible Intelligence, the team swiftly responded, leading to the confiscation of 113 bags of Cannabis Sativa at the beach. This commendable effort further extended along the Badagry route, resulted in the arrest of additional 14 bags.”
Speaking on the interception of the petroleum products, Commodore Oguntuga said, “The boat was found to be laden with petroleum products suspected to be AGO, stored in hundreds of drums and jerrycans.
“The criminals, upon sighting the team, abandoned the narcotics and fled the scene while the Quick Response Team secured the narcotics, the boat and its illicit cargoes.”
Oguntuga disclosed that the team transported the jerry cans and drums of AGO and a pumping machine back to their base, adding that all illicit cargoes would be handed over to the appropriate authority for proper investigation.
“The seized items, including the petroleum products and a pumping machine, were safely transported back to the base for further investigation and necessary actions.”
“Also all seized contraband items, totalling 127 bags, would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for necessary action.”
“These successful arrests underscore the Nigerian Navy’s dedication under the leadership of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to combatting illicit drug trafficking, preserving the well-being and protection of the nation’s resources.”
Credit Gist New Today News in Newspaper Nigeria Headlines