OPERATION CHILE NARCOTIC AGENTS BUST DRUG SYNDICATE, SEIZE N4 BILLION CONCEALED IN WOOD

By NBF News

Wood used in concealing the drug
They had been concealing the agents of death (hard drugs) in their luggage, private parts, stomach, false bottom of boxes, hollow shoes and sandals and lately, in their neatly weaved hairs. Even recently, a couple concealed hard drug in napkins worn by their two children. All these are ploys by drug barons and couriers to beat security operatives at the airports and border posts.

Those in the deadly business are not giving up. For instance, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) recently smashed international drug syndicate that smuggled cocaine from South American countries to West Africa at the Tin Can Island Port, Lagos. The drug was neatly concealed in customized floor wood inside a container, which was cleared and taken to private warehouse at Iganmu area of Lagos.

The intercepted 450.400kg of cocaine was unlawfully imported from Chile.

The seized cocaine has an estimated street value of over N4 billion. This is the second largest ever in the country. The narcotic agency also nabbed some barons in the cartel which included two Chinese nationals and a clearing agent, who is a Nigerian. According to the NLDLEA's Chairman/Chief Executive, Ahmadu Giade, the latest seizure was a major breakthrough in the country's counter narcotic efforts.

'The entire operation was intelligence-based and professionally executed. This is the largest seizure of cocaine next to the 14.2 tons made at the same port in 2006. The quantity is frightening and the street value paints a horrendous picture of the illicit drug trade. Apart from the estimated street value in the country, the value would have doubled in Europe. The seizure is exciting to us. It is also a wake up call for our hands to be on deck,' Giade said.

He assured that the agency will send all drug barons out of circulation to prevent criminal acts, capable of disrupting peace and stability in the country. To be able to achieve this, he said State Commanders have been placed on red alert to ensure effective surveillance and prompt arrest and seizure of any illicit drug shipment.

The NDLEA boss commended the perseverance and commitment of the undercover officers who spent days and nights on the field to make 'Operation Chile' very successful.

The anti-drug agency had kept tap on the consignment which originated from Chile and passed through Peru, Bolivia and Antwerpen in Belgium to Tincan Island (TCIP).