ILLICIT DRUG TRAFFICKING WILL NOT GO UNCHECKED; AS COMPT BALOGUN HANDS OVER N2.6 BILLION SEIZED NARCOTICS TO THE NDLEA FOR FURTHER REGULATORY ACTION
By Timothy Paul Okorocha
Assorted prohibited and highly controlled drugs intercepted by the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone C, worth more than N2.6 billion were today handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigative and administrative actions in line with their operational mandate.
Controller of the Unit in Owerri, Comptroller BA Balogun stated that the controlled consignments include tramadol, Barcadin Codeine syrup,and a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), Ghanaian loud, Scottish loud, colos, as well as other illicit substances.
He pointed out that the items being handed over to the NDLEA were intercepted through a strategic credible intelligence deployment, diligent surveillance and a high level of professionalism of his officers and men, whom he said remain resolute in the discharge of their statutory responsibilities.
He stressed that the misuse and illegal distribution of Tramadol, Codeine based syrups, and Cannabis Sativa have continued to pose a serious threat to public health, particularly among our youth and National Security. These substances, when abused, contribute to addiction, high-profile criminal activities, and social instability. As a service, we recognise the grave implications and remain fully committed to combating this menace at all levels.
In line with the CGC’s policy thrust on Consolidation, Collaboration, and Innovation. The unit’s breakthrough in anti-smuggling activities is largely dependent on teamwork and effective collaborative engagement with NDLEA and other sister agencies to achieve a common National goal. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, as the lead agency in Drug control and enforcement, plays a critical role in ensuring that these seized items are kept out of unregulated
circulation.
According to him, this handover, therefore, is not just a procedural exercise; it is a demonstration of strong inter-agency synergy and a shared resolve to rid our society of harmful, highly controlled drugs and illicit substances. It also sends a clear message to those involved in illicit drug trafficking that their activities will not go unchecked.
He commend the officers and men of this Unit for their vigilance, dedication, and integrity. He also appreciated the continued cooperation of the NDLEA and other critical stakeholders in their collective efforts to secure the nation. To members of the public. He urge them to remain vigilant and continue supporting law enforcement agencies by providing timely and useful information. ‘Together, we can build a safer and healthier society.’
In conclusion, he formally handed over the seized consignments of one million, one hundred and twenty-six thousand, sixty (1,126,060) Tramadol Tablets, twenty one thousand two hundred and forty five (21,245) bottles of Codeine syrups, six hundred and sixty-six (666) sacks of Cannabis Sativa, nineteen (19) wraps of cannabis sativa, three (3) wraps of Scottish loud, eleven (11) wraps of Ghanaian loud, and five (5) wraps of Colos and other controlled with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) Two billion, six hundred and thirty eight million, one hundred and two thousand, five hundred and sixty five naira only) N 2,638,102,565.00 over drugs to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further necessary action in line with their mandate.