Over two million kilograms of assorted drugs have been seized with over 2, 180 drug traffickers arrested by the National Drug Laws Enforcement Agency NDLEA, in Nigeria within the last five months.
The Chief Executive officer of the NDLEA, Retired Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa disclosed this while unveiling a week long activities to mark International day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Abuja Nigeria with the theme ‘Share facts on Drugs, Save Lives.’
In addition, the NDLEA boss explained that about 2,100 drug cases have been filed in court, recording over 500 convictions with 1,549 cases pending in court.
“These results have given us big insights into the magnitude of the drug problem. NDLEA cannot win the drug war without the help of citizens. We all owe Nigerians the duty of ensuring that drug abuse and trafficking do no thrive in this country.” Marwa pleaded.
He noted that the carnage caused by narcotics and other substance abuse calls for the need to drive the message on the importance of having a drug free Nigeria and action from all stakeholders.
Part of the activities was the launch of the Standard Policy and Practice Guidelines for NDLEA Councillors by the Chief Executive Officer.
According to Marwa, “the agency cannot win the drug war without the help of citizens. We all owe Nigerians the duty of ensuring that drug abuse and trafficking do no thrive in this country.”
“drug abuse as an enabler of all forms of criminality a hydra-headed monster that must be crushed if we must move forward as a nation”. He echoed.”
The NDLEA boss stressed the need for synergy with other sister law enforcement agencies for maximum impact.
Also Speaking at the media briefing is the Country Representative Untied Nations Office on Drugs and crime, Mr. Oliver Stolpe who expressed the commitment of the agency to work with the Nigerian government and other agencies for a free drug Nigeria.
He said, “drug abuse represent a great threat to Nigeria’s health security”.
Other activities marking the week long international day against drug abuse and illicit drug trafficking includes Radio and Television Programmes, Advocacy visitations, special prayers and formal launch of War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) by Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari as a grand finale on the 26th of June 2021.
Ime N
