Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigerian Army has dealt a significant blow to a transborder drug trafficking syndicate operating in Ogun State, intercepting a Mitsubishi truck conveying large quantities of high-grade Indian Hemp at the Balogun checkpoint in Ado-Odo, Ota Local Government Area.
The information was contained in a press statement released on Tuesday and signed by Lieutenant-Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
81 Division Nigerian Army.
The truck was said to be traveling along the Nigeria-Benin Republic border when it was stopped and searched by troops from the 81 Division Nigerian Army.
Upon inspection, the troops discovered 301 pawpaw-sized wraps and 197 A3 paper-sized sealed packets of the illicit substance cleverly concealed in a custom-built lower double bunker cabinet in the vehicle.
Additionally, the suspects attempted to hide the drugs using 45 sacks of animal feed (dried grasses).
According to the statement, “Two suspects were arrested during the operation.”
The statement said further, “In a demonstration of unwavering integrity, the troops also declined huge sums of money offered by the suspects as a bribe.”
Preliminary investigations revealed their involvement with a notorious transborder drug cartel leader operating from the Eko Mushin area of the state.
Other items recovered from the suspects include one each of Gionee, Tecno, and Itel mobile phones, 5 different ID cards, a pack of cigarettes, and six thousand CFA (6,000.00 CFA).
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
This successful operation aligns with the 81 Division’s ongoing efforts to support other security agencies in disrupting and containing illicit drug trafficking in the country.
The statement read in part, “Preliminary investigations revealed their involvement with a notorious transborder drug cartel leader operating from the Eko Mushin area of the state.
“Additional items recovered from the suspects include one each of Gionee, Tecno, and Itel mobile phones. Others include 5 different ID cards, a pack of cigarettes, and six thousand CFA (6,000.00 CFA).
“The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
“This successful operation aligns with 81 Division’s ongoing efforts of supporting other security agencies to disrupt and contain illicit drug trafficking in the country.
“The Division remains committed and resolute to combating all forms of criminality in collaboration with other security agencies towards safeguarding the national security of Nigeria.”
