The operation, which lasted many hours last Friday, led to the arrest of 47 suspected drug traffickers and addicts and seizure of 3,166.15kg of narcotics such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine.
PUNCH Metro had last Thursday reported the activities of the drug barons who residents said were fuelling the mayhem in the area.
Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, commended the Nigerian Army Commander, 9 Brigade Lagos, Brig.-Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade, for giving the needed backup because of the notoriety of the area.
He said, "The agency will continue to gather intelligence and conduct raids on criminal hideouts. We are prepared to clean up Lagos.
"This operation is a pointer to the fact that no criminal location is invincible. The understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Army are highly commendable."
In his reaction, Oyebade, urged stakeholders to support the NDLEA towards the eradication of illegal drugs in the society.
Oyebade said, "Illicit drugs induce crime and aggravate insecurity. Considering the problem of drugs, we are ready to assist the NDLEA whenever they call on us. I also urge other stakeholders to partner with the agency in making the country drug-free."
NDLEA Lagos State commander, Mr. Aliyu Sule, said a cannabis warehouse was uncovered during the raid.
He said of the 47 suspected drug traffickers apprehended, 42 were males and five were females.
He said, "An illegal warehouse was discovered at the scene of the operation where 3,166.15kg of drugs mainly cannabis was seized. There were also 31.4 grammes of heroin; 292 grammes of cocaine and 1.9 grammes of methamphetamine which were prepared in pinches meant for local consumption."
The commander added that the operation was the second in Akala in the last seven days, saying the first operation led to the seizure of 187.355kg of cannabis.
He said investigation had commenced and those found culpable would be prosecuted while the addicts would be placed on counselling.
Source: Punch Metro
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