Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) made a significant discovery when they seized 399 improvised explosive devices from Asana Leke, 39, on the Mokwa-Jebba Road.
Leke revealed that the explosives were handed over to him in Ibadan, Oyo State, for delivery in Kaduna. Following the seizure, both the suspect and the explosives were handed over to military authorities in Niger State.
In addition to this, the NDLEA continued its relentless war against drug abuse, with various seizures and arrests across the country.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA spokesperson, detailed several operations, including the interception of skunk concealed in tomato pastes and methamphetamine hidden in used clothes destined for Dubai.
The agency also made significant arrests, including a notorious drug lord in Akala, Mushin Lagos, and a kingpin linked to the importation of a large consignment of Canadian Loud in Port Harcourt.
Editorial:
The recent achievements of the NDLEA underscore the critical role the agency plays in safeguarding the nation’s security and public health.
The seizure of a significant number of improvised explosive devices, alongside various illicit drugs, paints a concerning picture of the intertwined challenges of terrorism and drug trafficking.
These dual threats have far-reaching implications for national security, public health, and social stability.
The NDLEA’s proactive operations are commendable, but there’s an urgent need for a multi-agency approach to address the root causes of these issues.
Strengthening border controls, enhancing intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and investing in public awareness campaigns are crucial steps in this direction.
The fight against drug trafficking and related crimes requires a holistic approach, where prevention, enforcement, and rehabilitation go hand in hand.
Did You Know?
- The NDLEA was established in 1989 to combat the growing menace of illicit drug trafficking and abuse in Nigeria.
- Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are homemade bombs, often used by insurgent groups for asymmetric warfare.
- Skunk is a potent strain of cannabis, known for its strong smell and high THC content.
- Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a powerful and highly addictive central nervous system stimulant.
- The global illicit drug trade is estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars, with significant socio-economic and political implications for countries worldwide.
