In a significant operation, the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT has handed over 85 bags of intercepted cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms, to the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command. This transfer underscores the Navy’s ongoing commitment to combat drug trafficking and maintain security along Nigeria’s waterways.
The consignment was intercepted on July 14, 2024, by the NNS BEECROFT Quick Response Team and the Deep Blue Assets of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). Acting on credible intelligence, the teams moved swiftly to disrupt the suspicious activities of criminal elements who were offloading cannabis sativa from a large wooden boat around Moba Beach, in the Badagry area of Lagos State. On sighting the team, the criminals fled, abandoning the boat and its illicit cargo.
Initially, 60 bags of cannabis sativa were recovered from the boat. A subsequent search of the area led to the discovery of an additional 25 bags, bringing the total to 85 bags, collectively weighing over 3,327 kilograms.
During a press briefing, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, represented by Executive Officer Navy Captain Mutalib Raji, emphasized that this operation was in line with the Strategic Directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla. The directive aims to maintain a robust presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to eliminate all forms of maritime crime and criminality.
Captain Mutalib Raji further warned those involved in illicit drug activities to desist, reiterating that NNS BEECROFT remains resolute in its mission to pursue and apprehend criminal elements within its operational area.
This successful interception and handover of a large quantity of cannabis sativa highlights the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to curtail the spread and use of illicit drugs. The operation is part of broader efforts to protect the health of the nation’s youth and uphold national security.