Lagos, Nigeria (PANA) - Nigeria and the UK are to partner to fight drug trafficking cartels through assets and financial investigation, according to a statement issued here this weekend by Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The statement said as part of efforts to consummate the partnership, the Director International, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) of Britain, Mr. David Armond, paid a visit to the Agency's office in Nigeria's commercial city of Lagos, accompanied by other senior security experts.
Mr. Armond was quoted as saying Britain is interested in partnering with Nigeria in tracing the illicit proceeds of drug traffickers, particularly assets of Nigerians convicted in the UK for drug trafficking.
“We are interested in working with our partners who recognise and are willing to deal with the threat of drug trafficking and organised crime,'' he said. ''Drug trafficking is a threat to all of us. It encourages corruption because of the huge profit involved. We have expertise in a number of areas and we think we can explore this in tracing the assets and drug proceeds of syndicates.''
Mr. Armond said collaboration was crucial because no country can win the drug war alone.
The Director General of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Ajayi, who received the SOCA delegation, expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen the working relationship between both countries.
“Nigeria is committed to the fight against organised criminal syndicates. We are prepared to partner with the United Kingdom. It is imperative for us to collaborate in the war against illicit drugs and prevent international drug syndicates from having advantage.
''This meeting will help in advancing our strategies in drug control,.” Ajayi was quoted as saying.
The SOCA team is expected to conclude the modalities for the partnership before leaving the country.
The statement said as part of efforts to consummate the partnership, the Director International, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) of Britain, Mr. David Armond, paid a visit to the Agency's office in Nigeria's commercial city of Lagos, accompanied by other senior security experts.
Mr. Armond was quoted as saying Britain is interested in partnering with Nigeria in tracing the illicit proceeds of drug traffickers, particularly assets of Nigerians convicted in the UK for drug trafficking.
“We are interested in working with our partners who recognise and are willing to deal with the threat of drug trafficking and organised crime,'' he said. ''Drug trafficking is a threat to all of us. It encourages corruption because of the huge profit involved. We have expertise in a number of areas and we think we can explore this in tracing the assets and drug proceeds of syndicates.''
Mr. Armond said collaboration was crucial because no country can win the drug war alone.
The Director General of the NDLEA, Mr. Femi Ajayi, who received the SOCA delegation, expressed optimism that the visit will further deepen the working relationship between both countries.
“Nigeria is committed to the fight against organised criminal syndicates. We are prepared to partner with the United Kingdom. It is imperative for us to collaborate in the war against illicit drugs and prevent international drug syndicates from having advantage.
''This meeting will help in advancing our strategies in drug control,.” Ajayi was quoted as saying.
The SOCA team is expected to conclude the modalities for the partnership before leaving the country.
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