President Bola Tinubu has lauded the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for busting a Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and dismantling a highly sophisticated multi-million-dollar illegal drug production network in the country.

Chairman of the agency, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), on Wednesday announced the major drug bust following weeks of intelligence gathering and meticulous planning by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.

Reacting to the development on Thursday, the President said the successful operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local kingpins and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of chemicals and illicit drugs valued at over $360 million, demonstrated exceptional professionalism, courage and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics.

He commended the bravery, resilience and dedication displayed by operatives of the NDLEA throughout the mission, urging them not to relent in confronting the menace of drug trafficking.

According to Tinubu, “West Africa has become a major concern in the global war against narcotics as drug barons turn our region into a transit hub for moving cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceuticals to Europe and North America.

“Drugs not only pose a critical security threat for our region, but they also constitute a grave danger to the future of our youth, some of whom have become victims of the trade.

“I call on all Nigerians to see the fight against illicit drugs as not the NDLEA’s responsibility alone. Everyone has a role to play. We must remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within our communities to assist security agencies in combating criminal networks.

“This landmark success is a strong message that our security agencies will not tolerate organised crime and criminality anywhere in the country, and that those who threaten public safety and national security will face the wrath of the law.”

Deji Elumoye