By Joy Yesufu
The Nigerian Navy, Naval Outpost Onitsha, has handed over 19 bags of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.
The suspected illicit drugs were recovered during intelligence-led operations in Atani community, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The substances were handed over to the NDLEA Onitsha Unit on Tuesday, according to a handover note obtained by our correspondent on Wednesday.
The Commanding Officer, Naval Outpost Onitsha, Kabir Yusuf, said the consignments were recovered during separate operations conducted by personnel within the command’s area of responsibility.
Yusuf said personnel of the Forward Operating Base (FOB), Amiyi, recovered the first consignment during a routine patrol in Atani Abo Community.
He said the personnel spotted a vehicle suspected to be conveying the illicit substances and gave chase, prompting the suspect to abandon the vehicle and flee.
According to him, a follow-up operation led security personnel to a warehouse allegedly being used by the suspect to store illicit substances.
He said a search of the facility resulted in the recovery of additional bags of substances suspected to be Cannabis Sativa.
“The suspected illicit substances were recovered during a routine patrol by personnel of the Forward Operating Base, Amiyi, at Atani Abo Community.
“The patrol team sighted a vehicle suspected to be conveying Cannabis Sativa and immediately gave chase, after which the suspect reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene.
“A follow-up operation subsequently led security operatives to a warehouse allegedly used by the suspect for storing illicit substances, where a thorough search resulted in the recovery of 19 bags of suspected Cannabis Sativa,” Yusuf said.
He said the operation demonstrated the vigilance and operational readiness of personnel of the Naval Outpost Onitsha in tackling the trafficking and movement of illicit substances within its area of responsibility.
Yusuf added that the recovered substances had been formally handed over to the NDLEA Onitsha Unit for further investigation and necessary action.
He also requested the agency to furnish the naval outpost with the outcome of its investigation upon completion.
The handover is expected to enable the NDLEA to determine the nature and quantity of the substances and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.
