A total of 304,436kg kilograms and 40,042 litres of illegal substances seized in Lagos and Ogun states were destroyed by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency at a public event in Badagry.

According to Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd), the agency’s chairman, the drugs were destroyed following court orders, and he urged the public to back the NDLEA and its partners in their efforts to combat drug abuse and trafficking in the country.

Marwa stated, “Though a routine exercise and an established process of removing dangerous substances from our society, the public destruction of confiscated illicit drugs is usually conducted at the end of their related cases in court, which include illicit drugs in solid and liquid states as well as in various classes such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, among others.”

He elaborated that the NDLEA officers confiscated the drugs from various locations in Lagos and Ogun states, including the seaports, airports, and land borders, between January 2022 and the present.

Marwa  stated, “To be destroyed here today on the order of the court are solid drugs, weighing 304,436.055kg and 40,042. 621 litres of liquid drugs. The sheer volume of the drug haul speaks volumes about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.

“The destruction of these seizures complies with the NDLEA Act, which mandates the agency to destroy all drug exhibits after prosecution. We want to say that your presence here is a testament to this important occasion. To this end, we appreciate all stakeholders and members of the public for witnessing this exercise.”

The chairman of the NDLEA expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by both domestic and foreign partners, including the American Drug Enforcement Administration, the UK National Crime Agency, Border Force, Germany, France, and India’s Narcotics Control Bureau, among others. He noted that these partners have collaborated with the agency on various successful operations.

“Similarly, we appreciate the Nigerian military and other law enforcement agencies such as the customs; immigration; police; civil defence; FRSC; NFIU, NAFDAC and others that have been supporting our efforts to rid Nigeria of illicit drugs,” he said.

Marwa emphasized that the NDLEA will continue its relentless efforts to combat the drug epidemic in the country and stressed the importance of additional public backing for the agency’s initiatives.

He stated “The safety of our society is the responsibility of every one of us. Every citizen shall be fulfilling their civic duty by assisting the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse campaign to clean up our communities and cities. Together, we can make this country secure.”

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, conveyed his satisfaction with the NDLEA’s efforts in combating the issue of illegal drugs in the country, as relayed by the Chairman of Badagry West Local Government, Mr. Olusegun Onilude.

He mentioned, “Almost all crimes and criminalities are fuelled by illicit drugs. So the Lagos State Government appreciates the NDLEA and its leadership in their resolute fight against illicit drugs. The volume of illicit drugs being destroyed here today speaks volumes and every right-thinking person should be worried.”

Onilude expressed gratitude to the agency for extending the War Against Drug Abuse social advocacy campaign to schools and communities throughout Lagos State. He acknowledged the efforts of the NDLEA, stating that  “No doubt, the NDLEA is working, and the state will continue to collaborate with the agency and its leadership.”