Navy intercepts 193 bags of narcotics, arrests suspect

The Nigerian Navy has intercepted 193 bags of cannabis sativa and arrested a suspect, Asamani Emmanuel, along the Badagry waterways.

According to a press statement released to our correspondent on Tuesday, Commander NNS BEECROFT, Commodore Rafiu Oladejo, while briefing newsmen, disclosed that the contraband and suspect were intercepted by the NNS BEECROFT patrol team through the effective utilisation of the state-of-the-art Maritime Domain Awareness Facility, the Falcon Eye Alignment.

He stated that the NNS patrol team intercepted the large wooden boat laden with narcotics, comprising a total of 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing about 7,443kg on March 16, 2024.

He said, “The Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT, in furtherance of the ongoing Operation Water Guard, intercepted a large wooden boat laden with a total of 193 bags of cannabis sativa, weighing about 7,443 kilogrammes, and arrested suspect Mr Asamani Emmanuel along the Badagry waterways on March 16, 2024.

“The arrests were made possible through the effective utilisation of the Nigerian Navy Maritime Domain Awareness facilities, Falcon Eye Alignment, and Regional Maritime Awareness Capability Centre, as well as human intelligence.

“This effort is in line with the strategic directive of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, to maintain a credible presence along Lagos waterways and adjoining creeks to rid the maritime environment of all forms of crime and criminality.”

Commodore Oladejo further warned perpetrators to desist from such acts, promising that the navy would not stop pursuing culprits found guilty of such activities.

He also added that the narcotics and the suspect have been handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation.

“This successful arrest of a large quantity of narcotics underscores the unwavering commitment of NNS BEECROFT to curtailing the spread and use of illicit drugs among the teeming youth, which negatively affects their health and threatens national security.

“I hereby warn perpetrators of illicit drugs to desist from such acts as NNS BEECROFT will not rest on its laurels in pursuing all criminal elements operating within its area of operation.

“The arrested narcotics and the suspect were handed over to the officials of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Marine Command today, March 26, 2024, for further investigation and possible prosecution.”