130kg of Concentrated Heroin Seize "NDLEA "

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has been shedding more light on how the agency 130kg of concentrated heroin in a container that originated from the Republic of Iran.

The drug was industrially concealed inside auto-parts. According to the NDLEA, the intelligence report on the consignment was received four months ago from the Agency's foreign collaborators and the Agency had monitored it closely before its final arrival at the Tin Can Island Container Terminal Apapa Lagos.


It was however jointly examined by all security agencies at the Port in expectation that the Container was carrying explosives.

The agency said in a statement issued by its head of public affairs, Mr Ofoyeju Mitchell, that after the initial inspection and when no explosives were found, all agencies left for their various offices but that the NDLEA remained and insisted on carrying out more comprehensive examination of the container based on the intelligence available to it.

The statement added that Industrial welders invited by the Agency had to cut the equipment open to reveal the drugs. This action finally paid off as the drugs were finally traced to some cylindrical equipment in which the substances were found. Already, some arrests have been made in connection with the unlawful cargo.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade said that the discovery of the heroin marks the success of the first phase of the covert operations. "The discovery of the 130kg of heroin uncovered by the NDLEA at the port last night marks the beginning of intense investigation. We are still monitoring events to perfect investigation activities" Giade said. The anti-narcotic boss also stressed that the Agency was working on other cases and at the appropriate time, seizures and arrests will be made.

"Drug barons will be frustrated out of the illicit drug business through similar undercover operation. We have successfully established links with our foreign collaborators and will maximise every opportunity to dismantle drug trafficking cartels in the country and West Africa" Giade promised. He also stated that the Agency will collaborate with relevant Agencies in its operations. "The Agency will partner with relevant Agencies in line with internationally accepted rules of intelligence gathering" Giade said.

Meanwhile investigations are on-going into the heroin laden container from Iran.

It will be recalled that on July 22, 2010, 450.400kg of cocaine was intercepted after it arrived the country from Chile. A Taiwanese, a Chinese and three Nigerians are currently facing trial over that seizure.

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