Troops Disrupt Cross-Border Drug Syndicate in Ogun
The troops of 81 Division Nigerian Army (NA) have dealt a significant blow to the activities of a transborder drug trafficking syndicate operating in Ogun State. The troops achieved this feat after intercepting a Mitsubishi truck conveying large quantities of high-grade Indian Hemp at the Balogun checkpoint, Ado-Odo in Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State, along the Nigeria – Benin Republic border.
The troops deployed at the checkpoint intercepted a truck and, upon a thorough search, discovered 301 pawpaw-sized wraps and 197 A3 paper-sized sealed packets of the illicit substance. The items were cleverly concealed in a custom-built lower double bunker cabinet in the vehicle. The suspects also attempted to conceal the drugs using 45 sacks of animal feed (dried grasses).
Two suspects were arrested during the operation. In a demonstration of unwavering integrity, the troops also declined huge sums of money offered by the suspects as a bribe. Preliminary investigations revealed their involvement with a notorious transborder drug cartel leader operating from the Eko Mushin area of the state.
Additional items recovered from the suspects include one each of Gionee, Tecno, and Itel mobile phones. Others include 5 different ID cards, a pack of cigarettes, and six thousand CFA (6,000.00 CFA).
The suspects and exhibits have been handed over to the Ogun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
This successful operation aligns with 81 Division’s ongoing efforts of supporting other security agencies to disrupt and contain illicit drug trafficking in the country. The Division remains committed and resolute to combating all forms of criminality in collaboration with other security agencies towards safeguarding the national security of Nigeria.
OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
81 Division Nigerian Army
19 November 2024
