Troops intercepts Illicit drugs worth ₦7.5m in Kaduna

Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) of the Nigerian Army deployed to Jos, Plateau State, on Tuesday intercepted a drug syndicate conveying large quantity of illicit drugs, recovering 248 parcels of substance suspected to be cannabis (Indian hemp) estimated to worth about ₦7.5 million.

The Information Officer of the Nigerian Army, Major Ishaku Takwa, in a statement indicated that the substance tracked down on Tuesday, was concealed in a Toyota Camry car with registration number Lagos, KJA 150 EG.

He highlighted that the troops during stop and search operations arrested some suspects who include former Corporal Essien Friday, a 60-year-old retired Army officer and Ibrahim Ali,  50-year-old.  The suspects were arrested by the troops along the Manchok road, Kaura Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

The suspects were said to have confessed that they were contracted to transport the illicit substance to Yola, Adamawa State from Ondo State.

Major Ishaku Takwa disclosed that other items recovered from the suspects include 18 wraps of Indian hemp, two smartphones, three travelling bags, one lighter and two wallets containing ₦570.

Major Takwa said that the suspects and the items recovered have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation.

The Commander OPSH, Major General Ibrahim Ali, was said to have commended the troops for vigilance and doggedness towards preventing criminals from carrying out their heinous acts.

Major General Ali reaffirmed the determination of his command to flush out criminal elements on the Plateau and environs.

The commander assured that OPSH will continue to collaborate with law-abiding citizens to ensure a crime-free society and enjoined members of the public to continue to support security agencies with credible information on criminal activities.