The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Kano Strategic Command, says it has intercepted 64 bags of suspected cannabis sativa concealed in a cement-laden trailer along the Zaria to Kano Road and arrested a driver.
The State Commander, Dahiru Yahaya-Lawal, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s Public Relations Officer, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari.
He said that the arrest was part of the agency’s sustained efforts to combat drug trafficking and abuse across state.
Yahaya-Lawal said that the consignment was seized on Feb. 2 by officers of the Kiru Area Command following intelligence-led surveillance and monitoring.
He said the trailer loaded with Dangote cement, departed Obajana in Kogi and was heading to Mubi in Adamawa when it was intercepted.
According to him, the driver of the vehicle had been arrested and was currently in NDLEA custody pending further investigation.
The commander said that the seizure was as a result of meticulous intelligence gathering and dedication of officers.
“The drugs were concealed within legitimate cargo and are believed to have been intended for distribution in Kano ahead of the Ramadan period.
“We will not allow drug traffickers to endanger the safety and spiritual wellbeing of our communities,” Yahaya-Lawal said.
He said in line with directives from the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the command would intensify patrols, reinforce checkpoints and sustain intelligence-driven operations across the state.
Yahaya-Lawal added that investigation into the network behind the shipment was ongoing, noting that efforts were being made to apprehend other collaborators and facilitators.
He warned that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The commander also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities related to drug trafficking to the nearest NDLEA office or through official channels.
He emphasised that community cooperation was essential to safeguarding citizens and maintaining peace, especially during religious observances.
NAN