Nigeria’s Anti-narcotic Agency the National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA has reiterated its determination in dealing with drug trafficking in the country.
The Chief Executive of the Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa at a press briefing in Abuja warned that unrepentant drug barons and cartels would face tougher times in 2023 if they fail to back out of the illicit business.
Speaking on the successes recorded so far, Marwa said the agency has arrested 34 barons and are currently in court.
“We have secured orders for the temporary forfeiture of their assets. With our prosecution being top-notch, they can look forward to a long time in prison and final forfeiture of their wealth and assets.”
Marwa warned those involved in the illicit drug trade to take a cue from the Agency’s actions and retire.
“We have already in the first two weeks of this year taken down three major drug cartels, one of which has built extensive networks across the world while at least six of their kingpins are in our custody as I speak.”
Marwa also explained that the agency was able to arrests over 26, thousand drug traffickers, among with 34 barons among them in two years.
“We successfully prosecuted 3,733 offenders who were convicted and handed various jail terms in court. Of the conviction figure, 2,346 were recorded in 2022 alone, which is the highest in the history of the Agency and almost doubled the highest ever recorded in the 33 years of NDLEA.”
Marwa noted that the agency has enjoined the support of international partners, and governments of the United States, France, Germany, United Kingdom, India, and South Korea through donations of equipment, training, intelligence and other logistics.
He assured Nigerians of the Agency’s commitment to the drug war and warned citizens to be wary in dealing with people of questionable character.
PIAK
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