Truckload Of Suspected Indian Hemp Intercepted By Army In Ogun

A truckload of substances suspected to be Indian hemp has been intercepted by troops of the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ogun.

It was gathered that the consignment belonged to a suspected international drug smuggling syndicate.

Disclosing this on Wednesday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said preliminary investigations showed that the illicit substances were being transported from Ghana through the Benin Republic and Igholo-Idiroko in Nigeria, en-route Sango Ota.

According to Nwachukwu, the truck was intercepted near Sango Otta on Tuesday.

A stop-and-search operations on Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of the state was carried out by the troops, who acted on a tipoff.

According to the Director, a Beninese, Matthew Edegbe, and one Mr Joshua Dansu of Idiroko in Ogun, while the unmarked truck, loaded with 397 wraps of the substances was impounded.

“Items recovered from the suspects include the truck’s Registration number plate (T 1826 LA Lagos), which was detached and concealed in the vehicle to prevent identification.

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“Also recovered were cell phones, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a Driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and N7,000.

“The suspects, vehicle and exhibits have been taken into custody, pending the handing over to the NDLEA.

“Troops of the battalion intercepted a truckload of over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition heading to Anambra on July 15.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their commitment and vigilance.

“He also urged them to sustain the momentum to rid the country of criminality,’’ Nwachukwu stated.