Troops intercepts international drug syndicate, seize 397 wraps of marijuana

Troops of the 192 Battalion Nigerian Army, operating in the 81 Division Area of Responsibility, have successfully intercepted a suspected international drug syndicate smuggling a large quantity of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana).

On Tuesday, July 18, 2023, responding to actionable intelligence, the troops conducted a stop and search operation along Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed in a statement on Wednesday that during the operation, the troops impounded a truck without registration number, loaded with 397 wraps of substance suspected to be marijuana.

According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the illicit substance was transported from Ghana through Benin Republic, via Igholo-Idiroko, en route to Sango Otta.

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The suspects involved in the transportation of the illegal drugs were identified as Mr. Matthew Edegbe, a Benin Republic national, and Mr. Joshua Dansu of Idiroko. Both individuals are currently assisting with ongoing investigations.

In addition to the impounded truck, several items were recovered from the suspects. These included an Infinix and Itel phone, an iPhone, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and the sum of Seven Thousand Naira (N7000) only.

The suspects, along with the vehicle and exhibits, have been taken into custody pending handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command.

This recent success follows a previous interception by the battalion on Saturday, July 15, 2023, when they seized a truck loaded with over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition destined for Anambra State.

Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their unwavering commitment and vigilance in carrying out their duties. He urged them to sustain their momentum in the fight against criminal activities, contributing to a safer and more secure Nigeria.

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