The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 2,904 persons for drug offences.
Chairman of the agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) disclosed this while speaking at the venue of the destruction of drugs in Badagry, Lagos on Tuesday.
“Since January 25, 2021, when we commenced our offensive action against drug traffickers, the agency has secured record convictions. Presently, 2,904 drug offenders are serving various jail terms, while other cases are ongoing in court, which we are confident will end in positive results too,” said Marwa who was represented by the agency’s director, prosecution and legal services, Mr. Sunday Joseph.
“To the drug underworld, the bust of the syndicate responsible for the cocaine warehoused in Ikorodu is a message to drug cartels that their investments in the illicit drug trade will go up in flames as you are about to witness while they also risk losing their freedom because the present NDLEA is committed to arresting, prosecuting and ensuring the conviction of those involved in illicit drugs. That is not all; we now also go after their assets acquired with the proceeds of the criminal trade,” he added.
Recall that the agency recently stormed a hidden warehouse at 6, Olukunola Street, Solebo Estate Ikorodu where 1.8 tons of cocaine were recovered and five suspects, including a Jamaican, were arrested.
“Following the record-breaking seizure, which is the largest in the agency’s history, an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos was obtained for the public destruction of the consignment,” Marwa said.
He stated that agency had begun the prosecution of those arrested during the drug haul.
Marwa noted that the sheer volume of the drug haul, with street value of $278, 250,000 (about N194, 775,000,000), speaks volume about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug barons.
Meanwhile, the Adeboruwa of Igbogbo Kingdom, Oba Semiudeen Kasali, has commended the agency for uncovering the warehouse where the drug was stored.
“The recent smooth operation by the gallant officers of the NDLEA attests to how professional the agency is in investigating and unraveling such ignoble businesses by people. We equally applaud the support of the international agency that made the NDLEA achieve the feat with ease.
“Our youths must avoid partaking in any unpatriotic activity that could threaten the peace of the community and the nation at large,” he said.
