Troops Bust Transnational Drug Syndicate, Seize 296 Wraps of Illicit Substances (Video,Photo)
Troops from the 192 Battalion, 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, acting on credible intelligence, intercepted a suspected transnational drug syndicate operating with a Sienna 2001 Model Space Bus. The vehicle, with registration number Lagos APP 129 EF, was loaded with illicit substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa.
The interception occurred on Sunday, January 14, 2024, along the Balogun border in Ogun State.
The vigilant troops conducted a thorough search of the vehicle, revealing layers of compartments packed with 296 wraps of a substance suspected to be marijuana.
Preliminary investigations unveiled that the illicit substance was transported from Benin Republic through Ilara border communities en route to Ifo, Ogun State.
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“The transnational drug traffickers had spent five months concealing the substance for delivery to their clients. Two suspects, Mr. Adigun Olatunji (54 years old) and Mr. Michael Atanda (18 years old), both residents of Ilara Imeko in Afun LGA of Ogun State but residing in Benin Republic, were arrested in connection to the crime,” Major General Oyema Nwachukwu, the Army Spokesperson said in the release.
The suspects attempted to bribe the troops with Twelve Million Naira (12,000,000.00) but were unsuccessful. They have been taken into custody for further necessary actions.
Items recovered from the suspects include a Benin Republic National ID Card, a Nigerian National ID Card, two small Itel mobile phones, a Benin Republic driver’s license, a Benin Republic International Passport, six Benin Republic SIM packs, two Benin Republic SIM cards, a Nigerian driver’s license, a power bank, an MP3 player, a memory card, local charms, and the sum of Fifty-Two Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira (52,700.00).
All the recovered items and the suspects are in safe custody, awaiting handover to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for prosecution.
This successful operation follows recent breakthroughs by the Battalion, including the confiscation of a large cache of ammunition and illicit substances across the Nigerian and Benin Republic border on November 12, 2023.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, commended the troops for their vigilance and commitment, urging them to sustain the tempo in the interest of national security for the common good of all Nigerians.
Troops Bust Transnational Drug Syndicate, Seize 296 Wraps of Illicit Substances (Video,Photo)