No fewer than 9,034 persons have been prosecuted and convicted in courts for drug related crimes in the past 38 months.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA secured the convictions, amongst 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 barons were also recorded during the period.
The Agency also seized over 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances within the period, according to a statement by the spokesman of the anti-narcotic Agency.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa said this
at the commissioning and handing over ceremony of an operational facility built and donated to the Agency by the British government on Monday
15th April 2024 in Lagos State.
He commended for the generous support that will further boost the capability of the anti-narcotic agency in tackling the menace of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria.
“With a total of 50,901 arrests, including the apprehension of 46 drug barons”, Marwa said, “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 7,560,748.5 kilograms (7,561 tonnes) not only disrupts the flow of illegal drugs but also serves as a significant blow to the criminal networks responsible for their distribution.
“We have taken decisive action against illicit drug crop cultivation with our search-and-destroy campaign against cannabis plantations which have led to the destruction of 1,057.33348 hectares of cannabis farms in the past three years.
“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. It will serve as a vital hub for data analysis and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend those responsible. With state-of-the-art facilities and technology at our disposal, we are better equipped than ever before to tackle this complex and ever-evolving challenge head-on.
“But beyond the bricks and mortar, this building complex embodies the spirit of collaboration and solidarity that defines our partnership with the British Government. It is a testament to what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared purpose and a shared commitment to making our world a safer place for all.
“As an agency, NDLEA has undergone a tremendous reformation, with its metamorphosis catalysed by partners like the UK. Our operations have undergone substantial reforms, resulting in remarkable achievements within the last three years.
“During this period, the NDLEA achieved significant milestones in its mission to combat drug trafficking and abuse.
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