Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Tincan Island Port Command in Lagos, have intercepted a large quantity of cannabis hidden inside mattresses during a routine search of import containers.

The NDLEA Commander, Mitchell Ofoyeju, made the disclosure in Lagos on Sunday.

Ofoyeju said the illicit consignment was a product of a meticulous search operation on containers that originated from Montreal, Canada.

He disclosed that a total of 63.75 kilograms of cannabis indica were recovered during the operation.

Ofoyeju explained that the incessant interception of cannabis indica was due to the growing appetite of drug users for Canadian-grown cannabis over locally produced cannabis.

“We have observed a preference for imported cannabis over locally grown ones by drug users.

“The price of the imported drugs is also far higher, and that is the reason drug traffickers are desperate to smuggle the drugs into the country”.

The commander said the seizure was made possible through diligent surveillance and teamwork.

“As part of efforts to prevent the use of the Tincan Island Port Strategic Command in illicit drug trafficking, our quest for drug interception was aptly rewarded when we uncovered 128 parcels of dried weeds inside a Montreal container.

“Three parcels of the drug were hidden in the trunk of a Toyota Venza, while 125 parcels were cleverly tucked away in two big mattresses. Officers had to cut open the mattresses to recover the hidden drugs.

“In all, the operation yielded 128 parcels of cannabis with a combined weight of 63.75 kilograms. Save for our vigilance, the drugs would have caused devastating damage to the nation” Ofoyeju said.

The Commander said that reasons for the growing preference for Canadian-grown cannabis included a penchant for exotic products, higher potency and the legalisation of recreational use of cannabis in Canada.

Ofoyeju said that cannabis was the most abused drug in the country, with unprecedented socioeconomic, cultural and health consequences.

He reiterated that the command was therefore, working assiduously to strengthen inspection mechanisms at the seaport as well as international collaboration.

The Agency also confirmed that the suspected receiver of the shipment, Bamidele Joseph, was in custody and was being questioned as part of an ongoing investigation.

He said that the success of the operation underscored the commitment of the NDLEA officers towards combating drug trafficking and ensuring the safety of the public.

The commander, therefore, pledged to remain vigilant in eradicating the illicit flow of narcotics in the country.

“As investigations continue, the command is working assiduously to identify all parties involved in the importation of the illicit drugs into the country.

“The members of the public should provide any information related to drug trafficking activities.

“The interception of this significant shipment is a reminder of the constant battle against illegal drugs and their devastating impact on the society.

“All those found guilty shall be dealt with according to the NDLEA Act. This will further discourage members of the public from indulging in drug trafficking.” Ofoyeju stated. (NAN)

The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has urged the new Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) management to activate “Petroleum Products Passport” to secure petroleum products.

Dr Billy Gillis-Harry, National President of PETROAN, made the call on Sunday in an interview Abuja, while reacting to the new development in the sector.

The Petroleum Products Passport refers to the document containing detailed and crucial information about the origin, quality and specification of a petroleum product being traded.

PETROAN urged the NNPC Ltd. to adopt activation of the petroleum products passport platform to ensure that every product lifted by petroleum tankers was utilised and accounted for.

Gillis-Harry, while listing some critical areas for the new NNPC Ltd. management, said it should focus on activation of that platform which was being used by some marketers but not nationally used.

“We are looking forward to ensuring that the petroleum products passport platform is activated for national use to ensure safety of tankers.

“The key benefits of this technology include protection of petroleum tankers and products being lifted from depot to fuel stations.

“It ensures that products are secured, safe and received at their destinations without being hijacked or smuggled,’’ he said.

He further urged the new NNPC Ltd. management to think out of the box and produce an extra one million barrel of crude oil per day for domestic refining and guarantee feed-stock to local refineries.

On the transparency and communication system of the NNPC Ltd., he described it as a public company owned by all Nigerians, emphasising on the need for Nigerians to know its proceedings to build trust and courage.

“The industry already has what is called the Petroleum Industry Stakeholders’ Forum; that forum has the role to shape the industry, and should be sustained.

“All the refineries under the NNPC Ltd. should be looked into quickly for efficient repair to boost oil production.

“There should be a consultation forum with retail outlet owners to ensure that prices are not arbitrarily fixed,’’ he said.

Gillis-Harry, while congratulating the new leadership, described the new GCEO and board Chairman as seasoned professionals and a square peg in a square hole.

Report says that President Bola Tinubu had on April 2, announced the appointment of Mr Bayo Ojulari as the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd. and Ahmadu Kida as non-executive Chairman.

The Tinubu administration targets raising oil production to two million barrels daily by 2027 and three million daily by 2030.

Concurrently, the government wants gas production jacked to 8 billion cubic feet daily by 2027 and 10 billion cubic feet by 2030.

Furthermore, President Tinubu expects the new board to elevate NNPC’s share of crude oil refining output to 200,000 barrels by 2027 and reach 500,000 by 2030. (NAN)

Ex- President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the passing of late former Oyo- state Governor, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, as a “deep loss”.

In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi, on Sunday in Abeokuta,  he described the late Olunloyo, as a renowned mathematician turned politician that  fought for justice persistently.

The Ex-President however, decried the depleting ranks of the nation leaders, particularly at this crucial time .

He said the loss of the heros at this crucial point the country needed their wise counsel and rich experience was worrisome..

The former President said, “It was shocking and worrisome because we had lost heros  like Ayo Adebanjo, Edwin Clark and now Dr.

“Indeed, the ranks of the nation’s leadership is fast depleting by the loss of our dedicated and resourceful patriots who served the nation in various capacities.”

He buttressed that the late Olunloyo stood for peace, progress and remained one of the notable Nigerians with deep blood of patriotism running in their vein until his last breath.

“The late former governor became a commissioner in the old Western region at 27 years -old  before he served as the Governor of Oyo- State before the military regime of General Muhammadu Buhari seized power.

“He was also the Balogun of Oyo Kingdom,” he said.

He commiserated with the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the good people of the state.

“Be consoled for fact that Olunloyo lived a life worthy of communal emulation and touched the souls of rural dwellers.

“We pray the Good Lord to grant the soul of Dr. Olunloyo a peaceful rest and the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.” Obasanjo said. (NAN)