[size=18pt]NDLEA clamps down on drug cartel, seizes N4 billion cocaine[/size]



THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized cocaine worth N4 billion as it clamped down on a major narcotic cartel that has connections with foreign countries.
Also, top security operatives drawn from various agencies have begun hunting for drug syndicates, which are said to be behind drug trafficking within Nigeria and other West African countries.
Yesterday’s seizure is the second largest in the country since the birth of NDLEA.
Briefing reporters on the breakthrough by the drug-bursting agency, its Chairman, Altai Ahmadu Giade, said the container-load of cocaine came into the country’s port from Chile.

“The agency has smashed a major international drug syndicate that smuggles cocaine from South American countries to West Africa. This followed the interception of 450.4kg of cocaine unlawfully imported from Chile. The cocaine seizure which has an estimated street value of over N4 billion is the second largest ever in the country. Some barons in the cartel including two Chinese nationals have been apprehended alongside the clearing agent who is a Nigerian”, said Giade.
The NDLEA Chief Executive described the seizure as a major breakthrough in the country’s counter-narcotic efforts.
His words: “The entire operation was intelligence-based and professionally executed. This is the second largest seizure of cocaine next to the 14.2 tons made at the same port in 2006. The quantity is frightening and the street value paints a horrendous picture of the illicit drug trade. Apart from the estimated street value in the country the value would have doubled in Europe. The seizure is exciting to us. It is also a wake-up call for all hands to be on deck.”
He assured that investigations were ongoing to get other members of the syndicate arrested.
The anti-drug agency had kept tab on the consignment, which originated from Chile and passed through Peru, Bolivia and Antwerpen in Belgium to Tin Can Island Port (TCIP), Lagos.
“The drug was neatly concealed in customized floor wood inside a container which was cleared and taken to a private warehouse at Iganmu, Lagos. The agency is determined to send all drug barons out of circulation to prevent criminal acts capable of disrupting peace and stability in the country. I have therefore called for total security alertness in all entry and exit points. State commanders have also been placed on red alert to ensure effective surveillance and prompt arrests and seizures of any illicit drug shipment,” Giade said.
The Guardian learnt that the clearing agent and other people linked to the seizure were also apprehended to ascertain their level of involvement as all the clearing documents had fake addresses on them.
The NDLEA boss commended the role of its foreign allies who he said had shown confidence in the agency, assuring that “integrity shall continue to be our watchword.”

There was a large seizure of cocaine at the TCIP where 14.2 metric tonnes of a similar substance was intercepted in June 2006.
The urgent move to tackle the drug menace within members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) was a fall-out of the recent visit paid to the sub-region by D-8 members of the European Union Community who had charged the ECOWAS members to take urgent steps with a view to breaking drug rings operating in Nigeria and other West Coast regions.
The security agencies that have taken the urgent measures to break the major routes used by syndicates include operatives of the NDLEA, the Nigeria Police, the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the Customs Services and Immigration Services.
Others who took part in the successful operation include all the security agencies in ECOWAS.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan is currently the chairman of the ECOWAS.

At a recent meeting, the ECOWAS member-countries had vowed to fight drug deals and other heinous crimes ranging from cross-border robbery to illegal smuggling with a view to promoting better inter-trade relationship among the member-nations.
The members are currently working out modalities to boost the security of the states to complete their plans.
“The drug syndicates operate within the West Coast and this is posing a serious concern hence all the security agencies will join hands to break the ring”, said a senior operative.
The agency, it was learnt, has many suspects in its cell.





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