The Nigerian Army has busted an international illicit drug trafficking syndicate and intercepted a truck load of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.
The big bust was executed by troops of the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ogun State, who intercepted the consignment suspected to belong to an international drug smuggling cartel, conveying the illicit substances from Ghana through Benin Republic and Igholo-Idiroko.
Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, disclosed that the truck was intercepted near Sango Otta.
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According to Nwachukwu, following an intelligence, the troops conducted stop-and-search operations on Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun and eventually intercepted and impounded the truck with its deadly cargo of 397 wraps of the suspected Indian hemp.
Matthew Edegbe, a national of Benin Republic, and Mr. Joshua Dansu of Idiroko in Ogun were arrested and now telling the security operatives what they know about the illicit shipment.
The Army spokesman said: “Items recovered from the suspects include the truck’s Registration number plate (T 1826 LA Lagos), which was detached and concealed in the vehicle to prevent identification.
“Also recovered were cell phones, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a Driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and N7,000.
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“The suspects, vehicle and exhibits have been taken into custody, pending the handing over to the NDLEA.
“Troops of the battalion intercepted a truckload of over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition heading to Anambra on July 15.
“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their commitment and vigilance.
“He also urged them to sustain the momentum to rid the country of criminality,.’