Acting on a tip-off from its US counterpart, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Thursday evening seized a large consignment of concentrated cocaine, valued at 1.1 billion naira, at the Tin Can Island Port in the country’s commercial city of Lagos (US$1=150 naira). The local media, quoting NDLEA, reported Friday that the discovery was made during the physical examination of a 20-ft container of floor tiles and cement from Bolivia.
It said the drug was concealed in 25 packs of floor tiles containing four parcels each of powdery substance that tested positive to cocaine. A total of 100 parcels weighing 110kg were found in the container.
“This is a good start for the agency. Drug barons do not need any other warning that this country is unsafe for their criminal acts. I appreciate the role of the USDEA and the Nigerian Customs Service. This spirit of cooperation is good for our collective security interest,’ said NDLEA Chief Executive Officer Ahmadu Giade.
Giade said investigation was in progress and the suspected consignee was being interrogated by narcotics investigators.