The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tin Can Island Port Special Area Command has disclosed that between January to 22 August 2023 , recorded seizure of 799.95kg of cannabis indica imported from mainly Canada and USA.
Mohammed Aminu Abubakar CN, Area Commander ,Tin Can Port Command, NDLEA in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos, noted that the items intercepted within the period under review has street value put at 2,664,230,000 naira.
According to him, another 24kg of cocaine from a bulk cargo vessel MV .Cooper Island at one of the terminals was also intercepted.
Furthermore,Commander Abubakar also denied reports of operatives from NDLEA involvement in extortion of money on containers from clearing agents and shippers at the port on the watch list for drug import noting that such allegations are completely baseless without any merit.
He said :”Firstly, it is important to clarify the purpose of watch listing containers. The watch listing process is a standard procedure implemented to ensure international trade compliance and security.
“It seeks to prevent illegal activities such as smuggling, money laundering, or trafficking, among others. It is a globally recognized practice that aims to protect the interests of countries and their citizens.
“To insinuate that our organization would engage in extortion under the guise of watch listing containers is not only unfounded but also malicious. We pride ourselves on maintaining the highest ethical standards and strictly adhere to all legal and regulatory requirements.
Primarily, the Commander pointed out ,”Our focus is solely on promoting transparency, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the integrity of the supply chain.
Abubakar lamented that the real impediments to the federal government ease of doing business at the port are the non-compliance alongside with false declaration of cargo and concealments by the importers and traders aided by agents.
“Importers and agents are expected to be honest and transparent in their activities which will make our jobs easier and straightforward.
“Unfortunately, the tendency of the importers and abetting by agents to effect false declaration and concealment have led to too numerous seizures of illicit drugs shipped into the country.
“Arrests and prosecution of many importers and their collaborators (agents) by NDLEA Tin can command is a testament that we operate in highly non-compliant environment. ”
According to him, the watch listing process is not undertaken independently by officials of NDLEA noting that It involves collaboration with government authorities, customs agencies, and relevant stakeholders who are responsible for overseeing and implementing these measures.
He affirmed that these checks and balances ensure that decisions made regarding container watch listing are based on actionable intelligence and objective risk assessments rather than personal interests.
“We strongly refute any claims of improper conduct or ulterior motives in the watch listing process. Such baseless accusations not only tarnish our reputation but also undermine the credibility of the entire international trade ecosystem.
“We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of professional integrity and will not hesitate to take appropriate legal action against those spreading false allegations.
By Roland Ekama
