The Nigerian Navy and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested 19 suspects at locations suspected to be used for illicit drug storage, sale, and distribution in Warri, Delta.
This is contained in an operational report made available on Thursday in Abuja, by the Director of Naval Information, Navy Capt. Abiodun Folorunsho.
Folorunsho said that the arrests were made during two joint operations conducted between Oct. 19 and 22 (today) by Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) DELTA.
“Recovered exhibits include 10 cards of tramadol, 20 litres of ‘Monkey Tail’, 35 kilograms of suspected cannabis, 18 kilograms of suspected Colorado and other related items.
“The suspects and exhibits were handed over to the NDLEA Warri Area Command for further investigation and necessary legal action,” he said.
The naval spokesman also said that the navy uncovered three dugout reservoirs containing approximately 25,000 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil in Obodo Omadino, in the state.
He said that the discovery was also made by NNS DELTA on Wednesday under Operation DELTA SENTINEL.
“The reservoirs and their contents were handled in accordance with established procedures.
“The discovery disrupted a suspected storage point that could have facilitated the accumulation and onward movement of stolen crude oil,” he said.
According to Folorunsho, crude oil theft and illicit drug distribution pose distinct but serious threats to economic security and public safety.
He said the navy will intensify intelligence-led operations and strengthen cooperation with relevant agencies to disrupt illicit petroleum activities, tackle drug distribution networks and support the prosecution of offenders.
He also urged members of the public to provide timely, credible information to security agencies to help identify criminal activities, protect national assets and secure communities across the Niger Delta.
