In a significant operation on Friday, September 29, 2023, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base Badagry successfully intercepted and seized 27 bags of suspected Cannabis Sativa with an estimated value of N35 million.
The Commanding Officer, FOB, Badagry, Navy Capt. Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, said this at the press briefing on Wednesday in Badagry.
According to him, the operation was initiated following an intelligence tip-off regarding suspected smuggling activities within the base’s Area of Operations. The intelligence indicated that a boat was observed offloading the suspicious products on Pako Beach near Ajido, in the vicinity of the Forward Operating Base Badagry.
In response to the intelligence, the Base’s Quick Response Team, led by the Base Operations Officer and the Base Intelligence Officer, swiftly proceeded to the location for investigation and possible apprehension of the perpetrators. Upon the arrival of the Quick Response Team, the smugglers abandoned the narcotics at the beach and fled the scene.
Adams-Aliu noted that a total of 27 bags containing the suspected products were seized. Preliminary estimates value the seized Cannabis Sativa at approximately N35 million. Additionally, the adjacent communities were searched, but no other illicit products or suspects were discovered.
Investigations into the incident are currently underway in collaboration with other security agencies. The primary objective is to identify the drug trafficking syndicate responsible for the illegal activity, with the intention of apprehending and prosecuting those involved.
Receiving the exhibit, Mr Owen Dinneys, the Commander of Narcotics, Area Commander, Seme Special Command of NDLEA, promised that investigation would begin on the seized items.
“We will ensure that whoever that is involved in the illegal drugs smuggling into the country is apprehended and justice will be done,” he said.