The Nigerian Navy Ship Lugard (NNSL), Lokoja, has arrested a drug baron, Aliyu Lawal, 37, with 620 parcels of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa (marijuana) at Jamata checkpoint along Lokoja – Abuja road in Kogi state.
The commander, NNS Lugard Lokoja, Commodores Moses Epelle stated this at Naval base in Banda, Lokoja local government area of Kogi state Monday while parading the suspect, Aliyu Lawal, native of Katsina state.
The commander, while handing the suspect and the illicit substances over to officers of the NDLEA, said the culprits were transporting the illicit substances from Sabon Gida Ora in Edo state to Abuja.
He stated that the suspects met their waterloo when at about 12:00 a.m on the 4th of April 2024, personnel of NNS Lugard deployed at Jamata checkpoint arrested a navy blue Golf car with Registration Number HK-511-ABC, conveying 620 parcels of substance suspected to be cannabis sativa (marijuana).
The commander further stated that one of the two suspects escaped from the car while the driver who identified himself as Aliyu Lawal was arrested and confirmed that they were moving the substance from Edo state to Abuja en route Lokoja.
“Upon arrest, the suspect’s effort at bribing the personnel was to no avail, as they are guided by the core values of the Nigerian Navy which include proficiency, integrity and teamwork,” he said.
He also stated that items recovered were, Police Mess membership card and a camouflage jungle hat, among others, with which the suspect made way through checkpoints before reaching Jamata checkpoint.
Commodore Epelle advised those in the business of illicit drugs to desist from such act, warning that the long arm of the law will surely catch-up with them.
