GON REPORTS SEIZURE OF 14.2 TONS OF COCAINE,

UNCLAS ABUJA 001436

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR INL/AAE
LAGOS FOR INL,DEA and FBI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SNAR KCRM PREL NI NARCOTICS
SUBJECT: GON REPORTS SEIZURE OF 14.2 TONS OF COCAINE,
BUT SUBSTANCE AND FACTS NOT YET VERIFIED


1. UNCLASSIFIED - ENTIRE TEXT.


2. The Nigerian press reported June 10 that the NDELA had
seized 14.2 tons of cocaine at Lagos' Tin Can Island Port;
the largest such seizure in Africa. However, according to
DEA CA Lagos, only a few samples of the shipment, marked
"white cement," have been field tested. Although positive
for cocaine derivative, until the cocaine is chemically
separated from the cement, (which the NDLEA cannot do),it
is impossible to determine the actual weight and nature of
the seizure.


3. Despite the obvious exaggeration and uncertainty of the
facts, DEA CA has called the seizure a "good international
cooperative effort." Although the press quoted the Attorney
General as commending the South Africa Police Service and
the British Serious Organized Crime Agency, DEA CA says DEA
and NDLEA have been "working on this container for two
months." Samples from the container, which apparently
originated in Peru, will be sent to the DEA Special Testing
Laboratory in Virginia for evaluation.

ANYASO