Nigerian Navy Hands Over N200 Million Worth of Suspected Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA

NNS BEECROFT Hands Over N200 Million Worth of Suspected Cannabis Sativa to NDLEA

The Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS BEECROFT, has delivered a substantial haul of approximately 2,640kg of a suspicious substance believed to be cannabis sativa, with an estimated value of N200 million, to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Lagos.

The handover ceremony took place at NNS BEECROFT’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos, on a notable Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Commodore Kolawole Oguntuga, the Commander of NNS BEECROFT, presided over the event, highlighting the vital role of advanced maritime technology in this achievement.

The commander praised the cutting-edge maritime domain awareness facility known as the Falcon Eye Alignment, which played a pivotal role in this operation. This state-of-the-art technology ensures 24-hour surveillance of Nigeria’s maritime environment, enabling the detection of any illegal activities within the region.

Commander Oguntuga provided details about the operation, stating that the Falcon Eye Alignment had detected the presence of boats engaged in suspicious activities in the maritime environment around Iworo, Ibeshe, and Badagry in Lagos State. Although the perpetrators managed to evade capture, the naval forces successfully apprehended the suspected substance, preventing its illegal entry into the state.

He assured the Nigerian public of the commitment of the Nigerian Navy and its collaboration with other security agencies to maintain a safe and secure maritime environment. Commander Oguntuga emphasized that the maritime sector would continue to be a secure space for individuals conducting legitimate activities that contribute to the nation’s economic prosperity.

In a stern warning to criminals involved in illegal activities within Nigeria’s maritime environment, Commander Oguntuga made it clear that the Nigerian Navy, in collaboration with other security agencies, would relentlessly pursue and apprehend those responsible for such unlawful acts.

This operation serves as a testament to the dedication and effectiveness of Nigeria’s naval forces and their ongoing efforts to combat illicit activities in the maritime domain. It reinforces the importance of advanced technology and inter-agency cooperation in safeguarding the nation’s waters and upholding the rule of law.