The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Narcotics Control Bureau of India have agreed to intensify their efforts in the fight against the shipment of illicit drugs between the two countries.

The focus is on the illegal flow of opioids such as tramadol and codeine-based syrup to Nigeria from the South Asian country.

This was part of the agreements reached during a virtual meeting between NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa and NCB director-general Anurag Garg on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a statement by the NDLEA spokesman, Mr Marwa noted the threat posed to public health and security by illicit drugs in both Nigeria and India.

He stated the need to strengthen the existing partnership between NDLEA and NCB based on the memorandum of understanding signed by the two agencies in 2023.

“The main reason why I requested this engagement is the illicit importation of tramadol and codeine cough syrup into Nigeria from India.

“This is a point that I raised the day we signed the MoU. Now, in the last 18 months, from January 2024 to June this year, we have seized over one billion pills of opioids, mainly tramadol, and more than 14.4 million bottles of codeine syrup.

“This is why we need the support and collaboration of the Narcotics Control Bureau of India to work with us on this,” he said.

The NDLEA boss also asked the NCB to assist NDLEA in specialised training.

Mr Marwa said, ”The other point from me is seeking your assistance on capacity building and training. We have had training in the past from India on drugs and investigation, training for analysts, financial investigation, cyber training, the dark web, and so on. 

“We will very much appreciate sharing from your experiences and knowledge and your support on training for our officers.”

Mr Garg said it was essential for the two agencies to strengthen the existing partnership because the drug problem cuts across international borders. He assured them of their readiness to share knowledge, intelligence, and experience with the NDLEA in several areas of interest.

“We all know that there are transnational syndicates involved in the illicit drug shipments into Nigeria, but we’re ready to work with you on this. Unless we come together, we cannot end this malady because we’re dealing with transnational drug syndicates. They have no respect for borders or national laws.

“So, the only method as of now is to collaborate, and it is a good opportunity – I mean, this meeting – we can take this initiative forward,” he said.

On the issue of capacity building, Mr Garg expressed happiness, adding that the agency has a training centre to host the NDLEA for any training.

(NAN)