Nigerian Navy Ship NNS Beecroft Intercept Drug Smugglers; Hands over 72 Bags of Arrested Cannabis Sativa, 4 Suspects to NDLEA

The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Beecroft has handed over 72 bags of arrested cannabis sativa, each weighing 40 kilograms alongside 4 suspects, 3 Ghanians and 1 Benin national to National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Marine Command.

The Commander NNS Beecroft, Commodore Rafiu Taye Oladejo who was represented by the Executive Officer, Navy Captain Mutalib Raji disclosed that the consignments were intercepted on Sunday 25 August 2024 by NNS Beecroft Quick Response Team.

A Navy statement said, “This was sequel to credible and actionable intelligence received by NNS Beecroft on suspicious activities of some criminal elements taking place around Lekki Beach Axes.

“This necessitated the deployment of Quick Response Team to the area for intensive patrol and search which resulted to interception of 72 bags of cannabis sativa weighing over 2880 kilograms.

“Interestingly, the team also arrested 3 Ghanians – Mr Godswill Zevor, Mr Monday Kpomeja, Mr Gbega Agbeko and a Beninoi Mr Elugbe Philip; making a total of 4 suspects.

“Captain Mutalib Raji explained that the effort was sequel to the Strategic Directive of Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, to maintain credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to ensure a safe and secured maritime environment for economic activities to thrive.

“He further warned perpetrators of illicit drugs to desist from such acts as NNS Beecroft will continue to pursue every criminal element operating within its area of operation.

“This successful arrest of large quantity of cannabis sativa and 4 suspects is testament to unrelenting efforts of NNS Beecroft to curtailing spread and use of illicit drugs among teaming youth which negatively affect their health and threaten national security.”