The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Ondo State command, says it seized more than 5356.7kg of illicit drugs in the state in last two months.

This is as the command said it arrested 59 suspects comprising 52 males and seven females, in connection with various drug-related offences.

The state Commander of NDLEA, Gabriel Folayemi, made the disclosure on Tuesday in Akure while addressing journalists on the activities of the command.

Mr Folayemi said the seizures formed part of a series of operational successes recorded by the command since he assumed office on July 24.

He stated the command recovered 5,356.705kg of cannabis sativa, 77.3 grams of methamphetamine and 299 grams of psychotropic substances during the period.

He noted that the command also destroyed a four-hectare cannabis sativa farm, describing the development as part of efforts to disrupt the cultivation, distribution and consumption of illicit drugs in the state.

Mr Folayemi said the command’s operational successes included the interception of a 40-foot container truck conveying dairy products to the northern part of the country, in which 52 bags of cannabis sativa were concealed.

He added that operatives also arrested a Mitsubishi Canter truck loaded with 159 bags of cannabis sativa weighing approximately 1,667 kilogrammes.

“Another notable success was the interception of a Toyota Camry along Itaogbolu with over 210 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa neatly concealed in its boot.

“Following credible intelligence and a well-coordinated operation, operatives intercepted a 20,000-litre-capacity fuel tanker, which had been specially modified with a sophisticated concealed compartment for the transportation of illicit drugs while simultaneously conveying petroleum products.

“Upon a thorough search of the vehicle, operatives discovered and recovered a total of 2,145 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa, carefully concealed within the hidden compartment of the tanker.

“The vehicle was conveying legitimate fuel cargo and was destined for Jos, Plateau State, in what appears to be a calculated attempt by criminal elements to evade security checks and facilitate the movement of illicit drugs across the country,” he said.

The commander said the achievements demonstrated the commitment and professionalism of the officers and men of the command in tackling drug trafficking and related criminal activities.

He said the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking methods required sustained intelligence gathering, vigilance and coordinated operations by law enforcement agencies.

Mr Folayemi said the command would continue to identify and dismantle criminal networks involved in the illicit drug trade.

He warned drug traffickers and their collaborators against regarding Ondo as a safe haven for criminal activities.

He noted, “No matter the level of sophistication or concealment employed, the command remains determined and capable of uncovering illicit operations and bringing perpetrators to justice.

“The command is currently intensifying investigations to identify all individuals and networks connected to this criminal enterprise.

“Those found culpable will be prosecuted in accordance with the provisions of the NDLEA Act and other relevant laws of the country.

“I wish to commend the officers and men involved in this operation for their courage, professionalism and unwavering commitment to duty.”

Mr Folayemi urged members of the public to continue to provide useful information that would help the command in its operation.

(NAN)