By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
TROOPS of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Lokoja have intercepted a drug courier and seized large consignment of Cannabis Sativa weighing 108.8 kg being conveyed from Ekiti State to Obajana in Kogi.
Lt. Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, who declared this in a statement in Lokoja said the interception was in continuation of ongoing efforts to check criminal activities in the state.
Abdullahi said operation also aimed to deny criminal elements freedom of action and disrupt the flow of illicit substances that frequently contribute to the rise of banditry and other violent crimes across Kogi State.
He said that the operation was carried out on Monday, 24 November, when troops deployed to Agbede Response Area conducted a routine stop-and-search on a Toyota Camry with registration number DKA 158AU.
According to him, the vehicle, driven by one Mr Johnson Ayo, was also found with a branded Police hat and belt displayed on the dashboard, raising further suspicions.
A thorough search of the vehicle led to the discovery of 10 sacks of Cannabis Sativa weighing 108.8 kilograms, concealed in the car.
“Preliminary findings suggest that large-scale drug movement of this nature not only supports criminal networks financially but also fuels the chain of activities that often escalate into banditry within the state and surrounding regions”, the statement added.
It states that the suspect and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi State Command, for further investigation and necessary action.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its steadfastness in supporting national efforts to eradicate drug trafficking, curb enabling factors of banditry, enhance public safety, and maintain a secure environment for all citizens. (Ends)