By Duchess Ifeoluwa 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency over what he described as a landmark success in dismantling a transborder drug trafficking network involving Nigerian and Mexican cartels.

The President praised the agency for busting a sophisticated multi-million-dollar drug production syndicate operating within the country.

The Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohammed Buba Marwa, had on Wednesday announced the major breakthrough following weeks of intelligence gathering and coordinated operations carried out by NDLEA operatives in collaboration with international partners.

According to the agency, the operation led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins and several collaborators, alongside the seizure of illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over $360 million.

Reacting in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu described the operation as a demonstration of professionalism, courage and dedication by the anti-drug agency.

“This 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, demonstrates exceptional professionalism, courage, and unwavering commitment to safeguarding society from the devastating effects of narcotics,” the President stated.

He commended the bravery and resilience displayed by NDLEA operatives during the operation and urged the agency not to relent in the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime.

President Tinubu noted that West Africa had increasingly become a major transit hub for cocaine, synthetic drugs and unregulated pharmaceutical products destined for Europe and North America.

According to him, the growing narcotics trade poses serious security concerns for the region and threatens the future of young people who are often victims of drug abuse and trafficking networks.

The President also called on Nigerians to support security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within their communities.

“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,” he added.