The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has impounded 2.687 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa in Cross River State, southern Nigeria.
The operatives, during a coordinated raid, swooped in on a warehouse hidden within Obereakai, a densely forested community in Akamkpa local government area of Cross River southern senatorial district.
According to the NDLEA Commander, Cross River State command, Mrs. Rachel Umebuali, the operation was undertaken in collaboration with the State Security Adviser, Major General Okoi Bono (retired).
Umebuali said that the raid, which occurred before daybreak on Thursday, was sequel to a tip-off leading to the seizure of cannabis worth millions of naira.
She further told reporters in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State that the command arrested three suspects found within the facility, saying “following a tip-off, our team stormed the location and made a major seizure of 2.687 tonnes of cannabis sativa and arrested three suspects.”
Umebuali, pointing to the large bales of dried leaves displayed as evidence, warned traffickers that the agency would not relent in its fight against illegal drug activities, even in the most remote areas.
“To those criminals who think they can hide in hard-to-reach areas and carry on with this business, you are deceiving yourselves. As long as you can reach these places, so can we. We will smoke them out and ensure they face the full weight of the law.” Umebuali stated,
She added that investigations were ongoing and the suspects would be charged to court soon.