Nigeria, South Africa join forces to tackle drug trafficking

Nigeria and South Africa have taken steps to address the issue of illicit drug trafficking between their nations.

They are committed to strengthening their cooperation in order to apprehend and prosecute drug syndicates operating in both countries.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, released a statement on Tuesday, confirming that discussions are underway between Nigeria’s anti-narcotic agency and its South African counterpart, the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation, also known as HAWKS.

The statement read, “As part of efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking between Nigeria and South Africa, senior officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have held a two-day meeting with their South African counterparts in the Directorate of Priority Crime Investigation popularly known as HAWKS to forge stronger operational ties that will herald tough times for drug syndicates operating between the two countries.”

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), conveyed his message through the agency’s Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna. During the meeting, it was emphasized that this collaboration between Nigeria’s NDLEA and South Africa’s HAWKS is intended to close the gap and rejuvenate their joint efforts in addressing the worldwide drug issue.

As a result of the meeting, the two agencies will work together to develop a Memorandum of Understanding.

“Among other expected outcomes of this visit is the need to have a collaborative Memorandum of Understanding to combat drug trafficking and related crimes between the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency of Nigeria and the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, HAWKS, of South Africa.

“This will provide a framework for enhanced information exchange, and Joint Operations/Joint Airport Interdiction; all promising dividends that will benefit our two organizations and countries greatly, ” the statement added.

While emphasising the increasing sophistication of drug trafficking cartels, particularly the proliferation of methamphetamine laboratories and the emergence of fentanyl production facilities, Marwa said these demands swift action through the seamless exchange of intelligence and technical expertise.

He said, “This will not only help to halt the spread of illicit production of these deadly illicit drugs but also prevent locally produced ones from being smuggled between both countries. The need for collaboration became urgent given the volume of trade and social interactions between the two countries leading to a corresponding trade in illicit drugs.

“Another expected outcome of this visit is the expectation of an agreed mechanism that would lead to the dislodgement and disruption of major drug trafficking syndicates operating between the two jurisdictions.”

Lt. Gen. Senaba Mosipi, the leader of the South African delegation, highlighted the crucial need for collaboration between Nigeria and South Africa. He emphasized that criminals involved in the drug trade operate without regard for national borders or geographical limitations.

To effectively confront and counter their illicit activities, Lt. Gen. Mosipi emphasized the necessity of taking proactive measures within the framework of the law.

“We can 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”, he stated.