Nigerian Navy NNS BEECROFT seizes 489kg of cannabis in Lagos, handing it to NDLEA and pursuing the syndicate responsible for the smuggling

The Nigerian Navy Ship NNS BEECROFT disrupted a drug syndicate in Lagos State, seizing 489 kilograms of cannabis sativa and putting the suspects on the run.

Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, Commander of NNS BEECROFT, confirmed on Friday that the narcotics were handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further action.

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Acting on credible intelligence, NNS BEECROFT’s patrol team intercepted the shipment on Wednesday night around Abule Osun, Amuwo Odofin.

The suspects abandoned the contraband and remain at large, though authorities have a general idea of their whereabouts.

Adams-Aliu, who recently assumed command of the vessel, stated that his mission is to secure Lagos waterways and enforce maritime law.

He said his efforts are guided by the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, to maintain a mobile, agile, and professional navy that collaborates with other security agencies.

He warned that crimes originating on land and extending to the sea will not be tolerated. “Some of these smugglers come from neighbouring countries, attempting to exploit our waterways. We know their routes, but that will no longer be allowed,” he said.

The Commander also stressed the ongoing collaboration with sister agencies to tackle organised crime. The handover of the seized cannabis underscores the effective partnership between the Nigerian Navy and the NDLEA.

Deputy Controller of Narcotics, Festac Town, Gbenga Adejumo, lauded the Navy as the agency’s largest partner in combating drug trafficking.

He noted that the seized drugs were subsequently destroyed by burning following a court injunction, with operations conducted away from residential areas to mitigate health risks.

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“The Navy’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime domain is crucial in the fight against drug abuse and trafficking,” Adejumo said, adding that continued inter-agency collaboration aims to bring all sponsors of illicit drugs to justice.