The Nigerian Navy and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 10 suspects while raiding locations in Delta suspected to be used for the sale, storage and distribution of illicit drugs.

The Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho, in an operational report issued on Friday, identified Uvwie, Eboh Road, Jakpa Road, Ozuaka community, Orugun, Otokutu and Ughelli as the areas flagged.

“In an operation from Oct. 14 to Oct. 15, Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA and NDLEA raided the flagged locations and arrested 10 suspects.

“The operation also led to the discovery of substances suspected to include cocaine, methamphetamine, tramadol, cannabis, cannabis seeds, Colorado and other related exhibits.

“The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the Warri Area Command of the NDLEA for further investigation and necessary legal action,” he said.

Similarly, Mr Folorunsho said that personnel of NNS acted on credible intelligence and discovered a suspected illegal refining site in the Orashi forest, Ogbogolo community, Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers, on October 15.

“The site contained five large dugout pits holding approximately 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), commonly known as diesel.

“Personnel also discovered 18 smaller pits containing about 9,500 litres of suspected stolen crude oil.

“The suspected operators fled upon sighting the naval personnel, and the products were handled in accordance with established procedures,” he said.

According to Mr Folorunsho, the operations addressed two distinct threats to national security: the theft and illegal processing of petroleum resources, and the distribution of illicit drugs that fuel criminal activity.

He said that the navy would sustain intelligence-led operations and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle illegal refining infrastructure, disrupt illicit supply networks and support lawful action against offenders.

“These operations will protect national assets and enhance security across the service’s areas of responsibility,” he explained. 

(NAN)