The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Tin Can Island Port Strategic Command said it confiscated over 400 kilograms of illicit drugs worth N134 billion in 2024 and the early period of 2025.
Commander of Narcotics, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made the disclosure during a visit by Executives of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) to his office at Tin Can Island, Lagos.
A document made available to Journalists showed a staggering 405.46kg of illicit drugs seized, comprising: cannabis indica – 3,666.19kg; Tramadol – 13.75kg and 57.12kg of cocaine among various quantities of other controlled drugs.
According to Commander Ofoyeju, the deployment of technology and sniffer dogs facilitated the detection and seizure of the prohibited items, some of which were concealed in mattresses.
He highlighted that the agency has so far been able to reduce drug abuse in the country by targeting those who are yet to abuse drugs as well as the addicts.
Commander Ofoyeju commended the leadership initiatives of the Chairman of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd) for the positive transformation he has brought to the organisation since his assumption of office in January 2021.
He underscored the establishment of barracks, intelligence-led drug war, funding, training, and partnership with international agencies among other innovations introduced by the Marwa administration.
“I must let you know that the coming of our Chairman has seen dramatic changes in terms of operational capabilities, funding, and training for all cadre of NDLEA staff. This has greatly enhanced our operations and enhanced our global rating in the war against drug trafficking cartels globally,” Ofoyeju said.
In the area of drug demand reduction, He pointed out that the NDLEA is working very hard in communities to warn on the dangers of drugs and their health implications.
Commander Ofoyeju stressed that drug trafficking and abuse is not just a criminal threat but a global health issue that must be addressed.
The AMJON executives were warmly received by Commander Ofoyeju and other top officials of the Command including; Commander Bassey Fintan, Deputy Commander Adanu Edo and Assistant Superintendent Stephanie Asemota.
Commander Ofoyeju expressed readiness to work with AMJON, given its immense pedigree in accurate information dissemination, to further sensitise the public about the activities of the agency.
AMJON President, Kevin Kagbare, told the NDLEA Commander that the association is seeking to partner with the Agency to tackle drug abuse in the country.
He commended the Agency’s efforts in the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) and the numerous breakthroughs and successes recorded under the leadership of the current NDLEA chairman.
Commander Ofoyeju, on behalf of the NDLEA Chairman, decorated the AMJON President as a WADA Ambassador to further escalate the War Against Drug Abuse in Nigeria.
This development underscores the Agency’s commitment to collaborate with stakeholders to promote a drug-free society.
Commander Mitchell Ofoyeju brings a wealth of experience in media relations, drug law enforcement and drug demand reduction to his role at NDLEA. He is a graduate of Mass Communication and holds a masters degree in marketing. He is an alumnus of the Nigerian war college, Abuja
The NDLEA’s seizure of illicit drugs worth N134 billion at Tin Can Island Port is a significant achievement in the fight against drug trafficking and abuse.
The Agency’s efforts, under the leadership of Chairman Marwa, have yielded positive results, and its partnership with AMJON is expected to further enhance its efforts in promoting a drug-free society
