AFP: Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency said Saturday the seizure of more than 130 kilos of heroin at Lagos port, believed to be shipped from Iran, was destined for Europe.
LAGOS (AFP) — Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency said Saturday the seizure of more than 130 kilos of heroin at Lagos port, believed to be shipped from Iran, was destined for Europe.
The west African powerhouse is a major transit point for South American cocaine and heroin bound for Europe.
“Available intelligence at the agency’s disposal indicates that the shipment was meant for Europe,” said Ahmadu Giade, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency said.
“This is a strong warning signal to all drug trafficking cartels. Besides denying them the financial gains, they will also be prosecuted,” he said.
Giade estimated the value of the drugs at 9.9 million dollars, vowing tougher clampdown on drug traffickers.
“Drug barons will be frustrated out of the illicit drug business through similar undercover operations,” he said.
“We have successfully established links with our foreign collaborators and will maximise every opportunity to dismantle drug trafficking cartels in the country and west Africa,” he added.
Nigerian security operatives found the illicit drugs inside a 40-foot container aboard a vessel, MV Montenegro, on Thursday. Building materials were listed on the shipping manifest.
Last month, Nigerian security agents intercepted an illegal arms shipment that included rockets and grenades at Lagos port which had been loaded in Iran. Nigeria has reported the shipment to the UN Security Council.
