NDLEA and Australian Police Unite Against Drug Trafficking

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of Nigeria and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance cooperation in combating drug trafficking along the Nigeria-Australia route. The agreement, formalized on Monday at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja, focuses on intelligence-sharing, joint operations, capacity building, and controlled drug deliveries.

NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.) described the partnership as a declaration of war against transnational drug cartels, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to tackle sophisticated drug trafficking networks. Marwa noted that Nigerian criminal groups are increasingly linked to the Australia-Pacific drug route, particularly in methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking.

He expressed confidence that the partnership would lead to significant seizures and arrests. Recent operations have already resulted in the seizure of 184.5 kilograms of cocaine and the dismantling of a drug cartel linked to a Nigerian national.

The AFP's Sandra Booth highlighted the necessity of cooperation to combat organized crime financing through drug trafficking.