Sequel to the directive by the new Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Col. Muhammad Abdallah for the dismantling of drug trafficking organizations, the Lagos State Command has carried out a raid on a popular market at Mushin, Lagos where it recovered twenty-two (22) sacks of dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis weighing 301.2kgs.
The Agency also discovered that drug barons were using shops in the market for illicit storage of drugs.
The operation which took place at about 3am was part of strategies to reposition the anti-narcotic Agency for optimum performance. Investigation revealed that the shop where the cannabis was found was always locked. The estimated street value of the seized cannabis is about three million naira and the owner of the drugs had also been apprehended.
According to Abdallah, “all notorious areas including markets where drugs are sold must be dismantled. I want every notorious drug dealer arrested and prosecuted. We must remain strategic in our offensive and leverage on intelligence planning to overcome drug dealers at all times. Nigeria must be seen to be fighting and winning the war at all fronts. All resources required to successfully raid all enemy camps shall be made available”.
The NDLEA boss urged traders and members of the public to report suspicious drug cases to the Agency for necessary action.
NDLEA Lagos State commander, Aliyu Sule said that a notorious cannabis dealer by name Babatunde Mustapha Busari has been arrested.
“Based on intelligence report, we raided Mushin area of Lagos at about 3am on Friday morning. Our team of officers caught the suspect red handed while preparing to distribute cannabis for the day. The suspect who has been under surveillance for some weeks was immediately arrested and the recovered sacks of cannabis impounded as exhibits. The operation which lasted for about an hour was very successful as there was no resistance” Aliyu stated.
The suspect who hails from Ibadan, Oyo State has owned up to the crime.
“I started selling hemp two years ago but this is my first arrest. I used to work in a car wash until a friend introduced me to cannabis trade. At that time, my daily average sale was five thousand naira. I took over the business when my friend travelled out of the State few months ago. It is so painful to be arrested when I am beginning to enjoy the fruit of my labour” he lamented.
The suspect will soon be charged to court.
By: Sade Williams
