The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and South Africa’s Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly called Hawks, have agreed to collaborate in tackling the menace of drug trafficking between the two countries.

This is contained in a statement issued by NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Babafemi said the agreement was the highpoint of discussions at a virtual meeting on Monday, April 11, between NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa, and the National Head of South Africa’s Hawks, S.G. Lebeya, along with members of their teams.

He quoted Mr Marwa as calling for an operational Memorandum of Understanding that would allow both agencies to share intelligence real time and engage in joint operations.

This, he said, especially in the areas of controlled delivery; joint training and personnel exchange programmes, among others.

“Drugs destroy our youths both in Nigeria and South Africa. These drugs are peddled by syndicates across our two countries.

“This is why we need to partner and collaborate to dismantle their evil web and stop their criminal trade,” the NDLEA boss said.

In his remarks, Mr Lebeya agreed on all the areas of collaboration identified by Mr Marwa.

“I’m in agreement with you on the areas you have mentioned. It’s important we collaborate on intelligence sharing in real time.

“Exchange programme for our personnel is also another effective way of sharing knowledge.

“Other areas the meeting agreed would be worked on by the technical teams set up at the close of the discussions include confiscation of proceeds of crime and prosecution of suspects among others,” he said.

(NAN)