The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), TinCan Special Area Command, says it has seized 799.95kg of cannabis indica worth N2.66 billion between January and August.
The Area Commander Tincan, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday, said apart from the cannabis indica, imported from Canada and the U.S., the command also seized 24kg of cocaine from a bulk cargo vessel, Cooper Island, within the period under review
He described the allegation as completely baseless and without any merit.
“Our attention has been drawn to a publication by an online maritime newspaper of Aug. 21, that one Mr Odion Solomon, a clearing agent, alleged that NDLEA extorts money from the clearing agents and importers under the pretense that their containers are on watch list for drug import.
“Firstly, to clarify the purpose of watch listing containers, the 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 recognised practice that aims to protect the interests of countries and their citizens.
“To insinuate that our organisation will 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.
“Our focus is solely on promoting transparency, facilitating legitimate trade, and maintaining the integrity of the supply chain,” he said.
