President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its personnel for the successful bust of a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and the dismantling of a highly sophisticated multi-million-dollar illegal drug production network in the country.
The Chairman of the agency, Mohammed Buba Marwa, on Wednesday announced the major drug bust following weeks of intelligence gathering and meticulous planning by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.
President 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.”
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The President further stated that West Africa has become a major concern in the global fight against narcotics as drug barons increasingly use the region as a transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs, and unregulated pharmaceuticals destined for Europe and North America.
He added: “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.”
President Tinubu called on Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs as a collective responsibility and not that of the NDLEA 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,” President Tinubu said.
“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,” President Tinubu added.
