Army intercepts international syndicate’s truckload of suspected Indian hemp

<p>Troops of the 192 Battalion of the Nigerian Army have intercepted a truckload of substances suspected to be Indian hemp in Ogun.</p>, <p>The consignment belonged to a suspected international drug smuggling syndicate, NAN reports.</p>, <p>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.</p>, <p>Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu stated on Wednesday that the truck was intercepted near Sango Otta on Tuesday.</p>, <p>He explained that the troops acted on a tipoff and conducted stop-and-search operations on Ajilete Road in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun when the truck was intercepted.</p>, <p>He added that the troops impounded the unmarked truck, loaded with 397 wraps of the substances on board.</p>, <p>Nwachukwu stated that a Beninese, Matthew Edegbe, and one Mr Joshua Dansu of Idiroko in Ogun were apprehended in connection with the seizure and were assisting in ongoing investigations.</p>, <p>“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.</p>, <p>“Also recovered were cell phones, a Benin Republic National Identification card, a Driver’s license belonging to one George Benyagbe, and N7,000.</p>, <p>“The suspects, vehicle and exhibits have been taken into custody, pending the handing over to the NDLEA.</p>, <p>“Troops of the battalion intercepted a truckload of over 20,000 cartridges of ammunition heading to Anambra on July 15.</p>, <p>“The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has commended the troops for their commitment and vigilance.</p>, <p>“He also urged them to sustain the momentum to rid the country of criminality,’’ Nwachukwu stated.</p>