The Nigeria Navy Ship (NNS) Lugard has intercepted 620 tonnes of cannabis sativa, popularly called India hemp, in Kogi State.
The interception of the illicit drugs by the NNS Lugard led to the arrest of one suspect identified as Aliyu Lawal.
Parading the suspect in Lokoja, the Commander, NNS Lugard, Commodore Mosses Epelle said “at about 12pm on 4th April 2024, personnel of NNS Lugard deployed at Jamata checkpoint arrested a navy blue golf car with registration number HK511ABC conveying 620 parcels of substance suspected to be marijuana.
“One of the two suspects escaped from the car while the driver identified as Aliyu Lawal confirmed moving the substance from Edo State to Abuja en route Lokoja.
“Other items recovered were a Police MESS membership card, and a camouflage jungle hat, among other things with which the suspects made his way through checkpoints.
“Upon arrest, the suspect’s effort to bribe the personnel was to no avail, as they were guided by the core values of the Nigeria Navy which includes professionalism, integrity and teamwork.”
Epelle advised hoodlums to desist from illicit means of livelihood, stressing that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.
“The Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard has resolved to stem the tide of insecurity in Kogi State. The arrest will serve as a deterrent to other criminals in Kogi State. On 23rd January this year, a similar fit was accomplished.”
Receiving the seized substance from the Nigeria Navy Ship Lugard, the Superintendent of Narcotics, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, Olorunfemi Abolarin said the command will begin investigation, adding that, once it is concluded, the suspect will be charged to court.
“NDLEA has been doing tremendously well across the country to reduce the transportation of hard drugs. Here in Kogi State, every day we have been making arrests and seizures. The suspects will be charged to court when investigation is concluded,” Abolarin said.
The 620 seized cannabis sativa weighs 110 kilograms.
