Authorities Intercept Dried Cannabis Shipped From Ghana

By Ben Ezeamalu

Anti-narcotic officials with Seme Border Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Lagos have intercepted 5,863 kilogrammes of compressed dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis.

"The illicit drug consignments originating from the republic of Ghana through the water ways were seized in two separate operations at Badagry, Lagos State," the agency said in a statement on Friday.

Four suspected drug traffickers including a Ghanaian were also apprehended in connection with the seized drugs, worth N60 million according to the agency, while two vehicles used in conveying the drug have been impounded.

NDLEA commander at Seme Border, Udotong Essien, said the twin shipment of cannabis were made within 48 hours.

"The first consignment of cannabis weighing 3,525kg was discovered in a clandestine warehouse where a Ghanaian and two female Nigerians were apprehended," said Mr. Essien.

"The suspects are a 38-year-old Ghanaian, Adoboe Nana Shelter as well as two female Nigerians Falilat Sadiq, and Mary Ige Joseph both 39 years old.

"The following day, the Command made a similar seizure of cannabis weighing 2,338kg being smuggled in a bus meant for distribution in Lagos. A male suspect, Bola Adigun, was equally arrested in respect of the second seizure."

The NDLEA said the criminal group specialises in smuggling compressed cannabis through the water ways into the country and use yellow commercial bus to supply to dealers within Lagos. They also use ladies who pretend to be legitimate traders conveying their wares to preferred destinations, the agency added.

The Ghanaian who claimed to be a fisherman said in his statement that he illegally imported cannabis into the country because of the anticipated financial gain involved.

"I am a fisherman from Volta region in Ghana," he said.

"A friend introduced me into hemp business because of the profit. The two women work with me in distributing the drug in Lagos. This is my first arrest and I promise to quit drug trafficking if released."

The NDLEA Chairman, Muhammad Abdallah, in his reaction described the seizures as a victory against the activities of drug trafficking syndicates working at Seme border.

"I am very pleased with the latest seizure by Seme border command," said Mr. Abdallah, a retired colonel.

The illicit activities of the criminal group has been closely monitored by undercover officers until it was expedient to intercept the drugs. This is a sweet victory for the Agency and a demonstration of our capacity to dislodge drug trafficking groups in the country.

"We are taking legal steps to sanction those arrested for smuggling the drugs and also forfeit both the warehouse and vehicles used in conveying the drugs. These are essential elements in ensuring absolute dismantling of drug trafficking cartels. Let me warn that the entire border and water ways are under our watch to uncover drug smuggling and prosecute offenders in accordance with the NDLEA Act.

The NDLEA boss urged security agencies to collaborate towards a common goal of enhancing national security. He also called on members of the public to report suspected drug activities in their neighbourhood to the Agency for prompt action.

The agency said the suspects would soon be charged to court.

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