The agency’s war against illicit drugs is commendable
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last week uncovered and shutdown the biggest ever methamphetamine laboratory in Nigeria. It was tucked away in Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. Jointly operated by a Nigerian drug cartel and Mexican collaborators, illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over N480 billion were recovered during the operation. Ten members of the cartel were arrested, including three Mexican nationals and the alleged kingpin named Anochili Innocent at his residence in Lekki, Lagos. “Let it be known that no matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is,” said Agency’s Chairman, Buba Marwa, “the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks, and seize your ill-gotten wealth.”
A highly impressed President Bola Tinubu commended the bravery and dedication of NDLEA operatives, warning that drugs not only pose a critical security threat for the nation, but also a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade. “This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country,” said the President. The NDLEA deserves all the commendation. The war against illicit drug and abuse in Nigeria is particularly difficult because it has, over the years, been compromised on many fronts. But the Marwa-led NDLEA is making a big difference. Almost on a daily basis, kilogrammes of assorted illicit drugs are seized, just as arrests are regularly made, while the convicted are sentenced as a deterrent. Thousands of others are also being counseled and rehabilitated.
