The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and India’s Narcotics Control Bureau have agreed to work together to combat illicit drug trafficking between Nigeria and India.

Mr. Femi Babafemi, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, said in a statement that the two agencies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He stated that the NDLEA Chairman retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, who signed the MoU on the agency’s behalf, stated that the move signified a strong partnership in efforts to eradicate drug misuse and illicit drug trafficking in the two countries.

“This bold step taken by the two agencies is an affirmation of our foresight and commitment to the task of ensuring the safety of our citizens and the global community at large,” he said.

According to him, the MOU is a critical step in putting India and Nigeria at the forefront of addressing and dismantling global drug trafficking networks.

“This is with brazen capabilities of outmanoeuvring legitimate drug law enforcement.

“With our understanding of the changing dynamics of the illicit drug problems, locally and globally, every major organisation around the world is working assiduously to curb the menace.

“They also know that working with partners greatly helps in addressing the trafficking and abuse of narcotic and psychotropic substances,” he said.

Marwa stated that both governments were dedicated to addressing the problem posed by illicit narcotics, particularly synthetic opioids and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), which constituted a serious threat to our society.

He praised the two agencies for their bravery at previous discussions that resulted in the MoU.

The NDLEA chief emphasised that the collaboration will have a significant influence on the two countries’ efforts to prevent illicit trafficking in narcotic narcotics, psychotropic substances, precursor chemicals, and associated problems.

Ambassador Shri Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Head of the Indian Delegation, signed on behalf of his country.

According to Balasubramanian, the harmful influence of drugs on global financial and political institutions is significant, and the earnings of drug trafficking are frequently used to fund terrorism.

The Indian high commissioner stated that drug trafficking harmed not just the health of those who used it, but also the country’s economic and national security.

He suggested that both countries leverage their similar demographic advantages to fight substance abuse issues.

He went on to say that both countries’ open commercial connections and educational advantages have been used to enhance the illicit drug trade.

“I urge all hands to be on deck to ensure that the merchants of death do not succeed in their evil trade,” he stated.

Balasubramanian pledged the Indian government’s commitment to enforcing the MoU’s stipulations. NAN