The Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) BEECROFT says it handed over 125 bags of seized cannabis weighing about 5,000kg to the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

At the handover ceremony, the ship’s commander, Kolawole Oguntuga, said the substance was intercepted on December 7 in a large wooden boat off Lagos anchorage.

Mr Oguntuga said the NNS BEECROFT patrol team seized the substance and apprehended two suspects accompanying it.

“The consignment was coming from the Republic of Benin, but our men were able to intercept the boat and stop it from entering the Lagos market. The suspects and the bags of cannabis are being handed over to the NDLEA for necessary actions.

“I recall that on November 29, over 182 bags of cannabis sativa weighing about 8,000kg were handed over to the NDLEA, and now, we are handing over 125 bags,” the naval commander explained.

Mr Oguntuga also mentioned that the navy, under the leadership of the chief of naval staff, Emmanuel Ogalla, would sustain partnerships with relevant security agencies in the fight against criminals.

“We understand the relationship between drug abuse, crime, violence and criminality, so we are making sure that these drugs do not enter our society. By so doing, we will uphold national security. The Nigerian Navy will continue to go after perpetrators of this crime and ensure that they are brought to book, no matter whose ox is gored,” he said.

Mr Oguntuga added that the navy activated ‘Operation Waterguard’ with air assets and surface vessels such as electro-optical devices, among other equipment.

“With all this being deployed, I am optimistic that the navy will not leave any stone unturned. This period is a period where a lot of criminal activities are expected, but security agencies and the Nigerian Navy, in particular, are on top of their games,” said Mr Oguntuga.

Mr Oguntuga assured the public that maritime security during Christmas would be strong.

(NAN)