Nigerian Navy intercepts 500kg of suspected cannabis in Lagos
Nigerian Navy Seizes 500 Kilograms of Suspected Cannabis in Lagos
Operatives of the Nigerian Navy, assigned to Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft, intercepted approximately 500 kilograms of suspected cannabis during a patrol operation in the Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos on Thursday. The illicit substance was concealed in sacks and was seized near the Abule Oshu axis.
The Commander of NNS Beecroft, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, reported that the operation was conducted following actionable intelligence regarding drug smuggling attempts via Lagos waterways. He emphasized the Navy’s commitment to disrupt criminal activities along Nigeria’s maritime routes and dismantle drug distribution networks.
“Maritime crimes often originate from land, traverse the sea, and may return to land,” Adams-Aliu stated. He acknowledged awareness of smuggling routes used by criminals, including those from neighboring countries, and affirmed that such activities would not be tolerated.
According to Adams-Aliu, the suspects abandoned the consignment upon sighting naval personnel and have since fled. Their identities have been established, and efforts to apprehend them are ongoing.
“This operation aligns with the strategic direction of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, toward maintaining a responsive and professional Navy and fostering inter-agency collaboration,” he added.
The commander noted that the Navy would enhance raids on known drug hotspots across the state. He highlighted recent arrests made during a prior operation at a drug den in the Apart area.
Upon receiving the seized narcotics, Adejumo Gbenga, Deputy Commander of Narcotics for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), commended the Navy for its continuous support in combating drug trafficking. “The Nigerian Navy remains one of our strongest operational partners in Lagos and nationwide. This collaboration has significantly strengthened our capacity to curb drug abuse and trafficking,” he said.
Investigations will continue to identify and prosecute those responsible for the consignment, while the Navy maintains its pursuit of the fleeing suspects.
