The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has destroyed 1.6 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs.

This, the agency said, was the largest single volume of narcotics ever destroyed at once in the agency?s history.

The Illicit substances destroyed included 123kg of cocaine, 46.8kg of heroin, 1.4 million kilograms of cannabis, 148,000kg of codeine syrup, 3,244.26kg of tramadol, 1,544kg of skuchies, and 111kg of methamphetamine, among others.

The destroyed drugs were from NDLEA Zone 9 and Zone 11?which include Lagos Strategic Command, Ogun State Command, Oyo State Command, MMIA Strategic Command, and various border commands.

According to a statement on Saturday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the agency said the exercise was conducted at a remote location in Ipara, along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State.

Speaking at the event, the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), said the exercise underscores the Agency?s unwavering commitment to ending drug trafficking in Nigeria.

Represented by Director of Assets and Financial Investigation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, Marwa described the destruction as both symbolic and scientific, carried out after thorough forensic verification and with full court approval.

?This massive volume of seizures serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by illicit drugs to public health and national security.

?We are sending a clear message?there is no room for drug traffickers in Nigeria. The Tinubu administration remains firm in its resolve to eradicate this menace, and the NDLEA will not relent in bringing offenders to justice.?

He disclosed that over the past four years, the agency has secured 10,572 convictions related to drug trafficking offenses, thanks to its revitalized operational strategies and the backing of the Nigerian judiciary.

The NDLEA boss also extended appreciation to the governors of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states?Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Dapo Abiodun, and Seyi Makinde, respectively?for their continuous support of NDLEA operations in their respective domains.

He further acknowledged the contributions of international collaborators such as the US Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK?s National Crime Agency and Border Force, the French and German police, and financial institutions like First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Sterling Bank.

He also thanked Nigeria?s military and paramilitary forces for their roles in supporting drug control efforts.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by his Special Adviser on Security, AIG Olusola Subair (retd), commended the NDLEA for its professionalism and determination.

He emphasised the importance of prevention, calling for greater investment in education, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment.

?The NDLEA?s courage and consistency in intercepting dangerous substances before they reach our communities is saving lives. The Ogun State Government is proud to stand with the Agency in this vital battle,? he said. (Saturday PUNCH)

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