NDLEA Siezes 313,369 Kg Of Drugs, Destroys 26 Hectares Of Cannabis In Kogi
Idris Ahmed, Lokoja.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kogi state command, has disclosed that a total weight of 313,368.8 kilogram of illicit drugs was seized, while 26 hectares of cannabis plantation was destroyed last year in Kogi state.
Kogi state Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Alfred Kayode Adewumi, who disclosed this on Monday while briefing the press on the performance of the agency in the year 2020, also said a total of 174 suspects were arrested among whom were 12 females.
He said with the concerted efforts of the Officers and men of the command, the wrongly held impression that Kogi state is a drug transit point has been dispelled and just a mere myth sustained for so long because of the state’s strategic location between the North and Southern parts of the country as well as its sharing borders with ten states and the federal capital territory, some of which are notorious for being major cultivation and production centres.
“NDLEA is at war with the drug dealers who as callous merchants of deaths profiteers from decimation of society, ruination of families and truncating of potentials, wherever they function in the unholy chain of illicit drug cultivation, production, manufacturing, trafficking and dealings, must be seen as enemies of the society who must be stopped.
“Therefore upon arrest and conclusion of investigation, they are prosecuted so that the courts will put them away in jail. ” Commander Adewumi said.
According to him, the command has secured 15 convictions, while 17 other cases are still pending in courts adding that where it was possible to trace and connect any of their assets to drugs ,were seized as some vehicles have been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria, while some others are still under interim forfeiture.
He explained that 126 drug dependants due to abuse of the substance, who are considered sick persons,have undergone physiological or psychological intervention to rescue them from precipice of destruction
Mr. Adewumi, while assuring the people of state of NDLEA’s commitment and unrelenting in ensuring their good reputation, enjoined them to continue the cordial relationship and cooperation with the agency to trash the unscrupulous activities of the minority holding the society to Ransome
The Commander therefore commended Kogi state Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, for giving NDLEA the opportunity to complement the efforts of the government to make the state safe and secure.
He equally appreciated the contributions and assistance of state government officials, the traditional institutions, religious leaders and leaders and members of non governmental organisations for providing enabling atmosphere to function.
“I must specially and particularly to express profound gratitude to the members of the fourth real of the estate in Kogi state, the mass media for partnering with us and allowing us to leverage on their influence to reach different communities with our campaign against drug abuse”, Adewumi stated.
He also thanked the military, security and law enforcement agencies as well as all Federal establishments for their wonderful synergy with NDLEA in its fight against drug trafficking and abuse in the state.
While hailing President Buhari for appointing Brigadier General Buba Marwa as the new Chairman of NDLEA, the Commander noted with high spirit that there is hope as new altitudes of impetus have been provoked and driven adrenalin level for performance for officers and men of the agency and advised that the proper and effective work tools be provided.
