The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized illicit drugs valued at N240 million at Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, in the first quarter of the year, a statement said.
In a statement in Lagos at the weekend, Head of Public Affairs of NDLEA, Mitchell Ofpyeju, said the drugs weighing 95.93kg were seized between January and March, adding that a total of 19 suspected drug traffickers were arrested during the period.
“The total weight of drugs seized during the period under review is 95.93kg. The suspects include 16 males and three females,” it said.
The statement said the NDLEA Commander at the Lagos Airport, Mr. Hamza Umar, gave details of the arrest and seizures.
“Within the first quarter of 2014, the Airport Command seized 9.06kg of cocaine, 16.7kg of heroin, 27.24kg of cannabis and 3.4kg of methamphetamine. Others are ephedrine 2kg, morphine 14.96kg, apresoline 3.51kg, pethidine 10.82kg and diazepam 8kg,’’ the statement said.
The agency said there was a reduction in the quantity of drugs seized during the period compared with the same period in 2013.
“In the first quarter of 2013, total drugs seized at the Lagos airport was 172.15kg’’, it said.
The statement said the number of persons arrested within the period under review also reduced by one.
“The record of drug seizure and arrest made in first quarter of 2013 is as follows; cocaine 16.02kg, heroin 0.17 grammes and methamphetamine, 155.97kg, totaling 172.15kg. The suspects arrested within the first quarter of 2013 were 18 males and two females,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NDLEA, Mr. Ahmadu Giade, has said that the agency will continue to intensify security checks at all exit points in the country.
“The reduction in the quantity of drugs seized is an indication that we are making progress in our search operations.
“We shall continue to improve on our counter-strategies through the use of latest technology in drug control,” Giade said.
The chairman assured that the cases of those arrested would be diligently prosecuted to a logical conclusion. (NAN)
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