ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that it apprehended a total of 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 drug barons, over the past three years.
The Chairman of the agency, Brig-Gen Muhammed Marwa (retd.), revealed this during the inauguration and handing over ceremony of an operational facility donated by the British Government to the NDLEA in Lagos.
Marwa stated that within this period, the agency successfully prosecuted and convicted 9,034 offenders, while seizing over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances.
He emphasized that these efforts aimed not only to disrupt the illegal drug trade but also to deal a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for its distribution.
He said, āOur operations have undergone substantial reforms resulting in remarkable achievement within the last three years. During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse with a total of 5,0901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons. Our agency has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to bringing those involved in illicit drug activities to justice. Furthermore, the conviction of 9,034 offenders underscores our relentless pursuit of accountability and deterrence in the fight against drug-related crimes.
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āOur seizure of 7,560,749 kilogrammes of that 7,561 tonnes not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow for the criminal networks responsible for their distribution.ā
He further noted that the agency had undertaken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation, including a search and destroy campaign against cannabis plantations, resulting in the destruction of over 1,000 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years.
Marwa also highlighted the agency’s efforts to explore alternatives to cannabis cultivation, including the establishment of an alternative development unit.
Speaking at the ceremony, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, reaffirmed UK Government’s commitment to supporting the NDLEA and Nigeria in tackling the global drug trade.
Baxter said: āWe, the UK Government, are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and Iām in particular delighted to have been personally in several activities especially your maritime. This building makes a whole set of different actors and capabilities to address any criminal activity.
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āWeāre delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response. Iād like to join the chairman in affirming our continued support, our continued cooperation, and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA.ā
Meanwhile, in February, the NDLEA intercepted what it described as the single largest heroin consignment at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja.
Additionally, members of an organized criminal organization specializing in trafficking heroin across multiple countries were arrested in an operation that led to the seizure of a consignment weighing 51.90 kilograms.