The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Tincan special area command says 876.453kg of various illicit drugs and controlled substances were intercepted in 2023.

Tincan commander Mohammed Abubakar said this in a statement on Thursday.

He listed the drugs as cocaine (24kg), cannabis (852.45kg) and Tramadol (0.003kg).

Fifteen individuals were arrested and prosecuted during the period, out of which 10 were convicted.

“The Tincan special area command has been at the forefront of strategic operations in the area, targeting illicit drug smuggling activities and apprehending those responsible. In recent months, the efforts have culminated in multiple successful seizures and arrests, emphasising the agency’s commitment to eradicating drug-related crimes within our society.

“In one operation carried out at the Tincan port, a notable seizure of illicit drugs (cannabis Indica, also called Colorado) totalling 161.5kg was made, along with the sum of $22,900 offered as a bribe to officers.

“The intercepted drugs were concealed within cargo shipments of used vehicles from Montreal, Canada, indicating the ingenuity of the involved drug traffickers,” said the statement.

Mr Abubakar said several investigations were conducted in collaboration with national and international law enforcement agencies, leading to the identification and apprehension of some of the key players in these drug networks.

The NDLEA boss noted that the combined efforts proved fruitful, resulting in the arrest of some of the persons directly involved in the importation, distribution, and sales of illicit drugs.

He also mentioned that throughout 2023, the command embarked on various sensitisation and enlightenment activities within and around the Tincan island port.

He listed them to include advocacy visits to all stakeholders in and around the port, public enlightenment and lectures, rallies and engagement of traditional rulers and non-governmental organisations around the port environment.