Marwa: NDLEA to tighten noose on drug barons, cartels

Stanley Ihedigbo

Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), has stated that the agency’s enhanced capacity in the maritime space will further restrict the operations of drug barons and cartels.

According to the, Director, Media & Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, this comes as the NDLEA commissioned its Marine Command Headquarters in Lagos, donated by the British Government.

At the commissioning ceremony , Marwa expressed gratitude to the British High Commission for supporting the project.

“The timely delivery and high standard of this facility demonstrate the British Government’s commitment to our efforts,” he said.

Marwa cited the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development’s finding that over 80% of international trade is carried by sea, making maritime routes vulnerable to exploitation by drug traffickers.

Recent records from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime indicate that West Africa remains a key transit region for narcotics.

The NDLEA has recorded significant successes, intercepting 61,688.79 kg of drugs and arresting 41 suspects, with 15 prosecuted and jailed.

Marwa attributed this success to collaboration with other maritime law enforcement agencies.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter justified the UK’s support for NDLEA, citing increased drug detections in Nigeria and the UK.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu praised NDLEA’s efforts in curbing the illegal drug trade.