NARTO Partners with NDLEA to Combat Drug Trafficking on Highways

The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) has announced plans to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to combat the use of commercial vehicles for drug trafficking operations across the country.

NARTO National President, Yusuf Othman, made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit to NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Marwa, at the agency's headquarters in Abuja.

Othman emphasized the need for sensitization and training of transport operators on identifying suspicious cargo and reporting potential drug trafficking activities.

"Our truck and passenger vehicles traverse every region of the country, serving as the arteries of commerce and connectivity. However, we also recognise that these same routes are occasionally exploited by criminal elements to traffic illicit substances," Othman stated.

The NARTO president outlined several collaborative measures, including the establishment of joint intelligence-sharing mechanisms to monitor drug trafficking routes, deployment of NDLEA liaison officers at major transport parks nationwide, and launching public awareness campaigns.

In response, NDLEA Chairman Marwa welcomed the partnership initiative and advised vehicle owners to conduct thorough background checks on their drivers to ensure they are not connected to drug trafficking syndicates or substance abuse issues.

Marwa warned that failure to implement proper screening could result in preventable accidents or vehicle forfeiture if caught being used for drug trafficking operations.

This collaboration comes amid increasing concerns about Nigeria's transportation networks being exploited for moving illicit substances between states and across borders.

The initiative represents a significant step in strengthening Nigeria's multi-sectoral approach to combating drug trafficking by involving key stakeholders in the transportation industry.

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