NDLEA Cannabis Bust: NNPCL Denies Ownership Of Drug-Laden Tanker

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has denied ownership of a fuel tanker intercepted by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) with 2,145kg of cannabis concealed in a specially built compartment in Ondo State. The clarification followed reports that the tanker was branded with the NNPCL logo. In a statement on Monday, NNPCL spokesperson, Andy Odeh, said preliminary checks showed that the vehicle, with registration number MKA 960 XC, does not belong to the company and is not part of its official fleet. Odeh said the tanker was also not linked to any of NNPCL's authorised dealers. 'The logo displayed on the vehicle is not consistent with NNPC Ltd.'s current official branding, and the vehicle does not appear in the Company's asset database,' the statement said. According to NNPCL, it is engaging the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) to obtain more information and determine how the company's old branding came to be used on the vehicle. The NDLEA had earlier announced the interception of the tanker in Ondo State after its operatives discovered a concealed compartment containing a large consignment of cannabis. NNPCL said it takes the unauthorised use of its corporate identity seriously, particularly when its name or branding is associated with criminal activity. The company said it remained committed to protecting its brand, trademarks and other corporate identifiers from misuse. It also disclosed that it was reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring procedures and would take appropriate action against anyone found to have used its corporate identity without authorisation. 'NNPC Ltd. is also reviewing its brand-protection and asset-monitoring protocols and will take appropriate steps, including legal action where warranted, against any unauthorised use of its corporate identity,' the company stated. The development comes as authorities continue investigations into the origin of the drug-laden tanker and those responsible for concealing the cannabis in the vehicle. Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG