The Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA and the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation popularly known as HAWKS have held a two-day meeting forge stronger operational ties that will herald tough times for drug syndicates operating between the two countries.
Speaking during the meeting at the NDLEA National Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd), said the deliberation which was a follow up to a virtual one held in April 2022, will bridge the gap and rekindle efforts aimed at tackling the global drug problem.
According to Marwa, who was represented by the Secretary, NDLEA, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, among other expected outcomes of the collaboration is the need to have a Memorandum of Understanding to combat drug trafficking and related crimes between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI) HAWKS, of South Africa.
While emphasising the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking cartels, particularly the proliferation of methamphetamine laboratories and the emergence of fentanyl production facilities, which pose grave threats to the safety and well-being of citizens in both countries, Marwa said this demands swift action through the seamless exchange of intelligence and technical expertise.
Responding, Leader of the South African delegation, Lt. Gen. Senaba Mosipi stressed that the collaboration between the two countries was necessary because criminals operating in the drug trade recognise no borders or geographical boundaries. He said to effectively combat their criminality, proactive measures within the arm of the law are imperative.
“We have the capacity to work together no matter the distance between our countries. The operational collaboration between NDLEA and HAWKS is important to combat the operations of criminal syndicates in our two countries”, the South African official stated.
