Clearing agents arrested over ₦32bn cocaine at Lagos

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has intercepted cocaine worth N32bn concealed in a consignment at the Tin Can Port in Lagos.

Two clearing agents have been arrested in connection with the seized illegal substance, according to the agency.

The consignment was said to have been sent to Nigeria from Brazil aboard a vessel marked MV SPAR SCORPIO, which was placed on surveillance for some days before two clearing agents showed up on Monday to clear it.

The Commander, Tin Can Port Command of the NDLEA, Sumaila Ethan, said the clearing agents were arrested, while the consignment was searched and the substance weighing 43.11kg was found in it.

He said, “After a thorough search, we discovered 40 compressed parcels, which after laboratory investigations, tested positive for cocaine. The two clearing agents have been taken into custody, while we continue with the investigation. The seizure is no doubt an attestation to the renewed vigour in the operations of the agency.

“The Tin Can Port seizure followed the various seizures made at the Lagos and Abuja airports as well as in Edo, Katsina, Nasarawa and Benue states in the last three weeks.”

Chairman of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, (retd.), while commending the team at the Tin Can Port, charged them and other officers and men from different commands across the country to remain vigilant.

He said, “The successes we recorded in the last three weeks can only serve as a challenge to raise the bar and do more. We’ll continue to do our best to motivate the officers and men of the agency, and we expect full commitment, dedication to work and discipline in return so that we can collectively achieve the goal of ridding our nation of illicit drugs.”