The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported the arrest of a total of 5,090 drug offenders, which includes the apprehension of 46 drug barons, over the past three years.
Brig-Gen Muhammed Marwa (retd.), the Chairman of the agency, disclosed this information on Monday during the inauguration and handing over ceremony of an operational facility donated by the British Government to the NDLEA in Lagos.
Marwa further stated that within this timeframe, the agency successfully prosecuted and convicted 9,034 individuals and seized over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances.
These efforts are aimed at disrupting the flow of illegal drugs and dealing a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution.
He said, “Our 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.
“Our 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.”
Marwa further mentioned that the agency had undertaken decisive measures against illicit drug crop cultivation through its “search and destroy” campaign targeting cannabis plantations. This initiative has resulted in the destruction of over 1000 hectares of cannabis farms in the last three years.
“At this time, we are looking at alternatives. We are strategising on how to control cannabis cultivation in Nigeria through the encouragement of cannabis growers to turn their attention to growing alternative illicit drugs and with this, an alternative development unit has been created in my office,” he added.
Speaking at the ceremony, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, assured the agency of continued support to the NDLEA and Nigeria.
He said: “We, the UK Government, are delighted to have this long-standing relationship with the NDLEA and I’m 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.
“We’re 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. I’d 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.”
In February, the NDLEA intercepted what it termed the largest single consignment of heroin at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja.
Additionally, members of an organized criminal group, allegedly involved in heroin trafficking across Nigeria, South Africa, Mozambique, Europe, and America, were reportedly apprehended. This operation resulted in the seizure of a 51.90kg consignment.