Nigeria: 14.2 Tons of Cocaine Seized in Lagos

All Africa

Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Bayo Ojo (SAN) has declared war against drug barons and peddlers in the country, saying all perpetrators of such acts will be apprehended and brought to book.

The declaration came against the recent recovered 14.2 metric tons of cocaine at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos by the National Directorate of Law and Enforcement of Agency (NDLEA).

The Minister while addressing newsmen in Lagos during his maiden visit to NDLEA said, "I must announce to the drug barons and drug pushers that the agency is now combat ready and it has full backing of Mr. President. We have declared a total war against hard drugs and all perpetrators of this evil act shall be apprehended and brought to book".

According to him, a testimony to the preparedness of the Federal Government to combat and win the drug war is the latest seizure recorded at the Tin Can Island Port which is the largest seizure in the whole of Africa".

He however promised to support the NDLEA Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade in ensuring that the operation ended successfully, adding that the recovery showed a clear demonstration of professionalism of officers and men of the agency.

Ojo said, "this is just the beginning, and I am optimistic that Nigeria will soon become a no go area to drug barons and pushers".

He said the achievement had demonstrated the relevance of continued collaboration especially at the International level with the role played by the South African Police Service and British Serious Organized Crime Agency (SOCA).

He said, "the NDLEA under my supervision will be given the maximum support it requires to continue to achieve these types of results. My Ministry will work with the agency to ensure that the culprits are unmasked and brought to justice".

He continued, "Let there be no doubt in the mind of any remaining drug barons in this country that the tide is now against them and only one option is left for them is to quit the illegal business. There shall be no sacred cows. No matter how highly placed nay one found trading in hard drug is, he/she shall face the law because it is a battle we are prepared to fight to the end".

He noted there would be no more room for the bad eggs in the Agency, adding that checks and balances will be put in place to expose officers involved in drug pushing and anyone found will be flushed out immediately.