By Ayorinde Oluokun
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the busting a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and dismantling of its multi-million-dollar illegal drug production network in the country by the
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) as a remarkable achievement.
The President said this while commending the agency for busting the drug cartel in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Thursday.
NDLEA chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), on Wednesday announced the major drug bust following a massive operation spanning weeks of intelligence gathering and meticulous planning by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.
In reaction to the feat, Tinubu said: “This successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics.”
“I commend the bravery, resilience, and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout this mission. I urge them not to be complacent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking.
“West Africa has become a great concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.
“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also pose a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade.
“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs not NDLEA’s alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks.
“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law.”
