Arrests Eight Suspected Drug Traffickers in Katsina, Niger, Oyo, Kwara, Other States
- Safiu Kehinde
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has destroyed over 13,198 kilograms of confiscated cannabis sativa in Edo forests.
The illicit substances were destroyed forests across parts of the state between Monday 24th and Friday 28th March by NDLEA operatives who also evacuated 158kg of same substance for possible prosecution.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, the forests where no fewer than four cannabis plantations were discovered and destroyed include: Uhen forest, Ovia North East LGA; Sobe, Owan West LGA; and Amahor forest in Igueben LGA.
In a separate operation in Katsina, NDLEA arrested four suspects in possession of 684 blocks of compressed skunk, a strain of cannabis weighing 423kg and 86,000 pills of diazepam.
The suspects identified as Baraka Abubakar, 40; Haruna Alitine, 23; Muhammad Babangida, 20; and Hamisu Lawal, were arrested on Friday 28th March during an intelligence led raid operation at Godai village in Daura LGA.
The three male suspects were arrested while repackaging the diazepam tablets into other containers while Baraka, the female suspect was apprehended with the heaps of skunk in her house.
Similarly, NDLEA officers on patrol along Mokwa-Jebba road, Niger State, on Friday intercepted a black Toyota Corolla car marked SLM 137 SV and arrested the two occupants in possession of 179 blocks of compressed skunk.
The two suspects, Paul Christopher, 46, and Lucky Star Anumie, were nabbed following the discovery of the compressed skunk with a total weight of 77.6kg concealed in false bottom of the vehicle.
In another operation, 50kg skunk was on Saturday recovered from the home of a suspect, Isa Iliya, who is currently at large, in Wawa village, Borgu council area of the state.
Another 108.5kg of skunk would be recovered from lockup shops at Aria New Market, in Enugu metropolis, Enugu state by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 25th March.
In Oyo state, a 50-year-old Suli Saheed was nabbed with 2.5 kilograms of Ghanaian Loud and 515 grams of Colorado, at Olomi Academy area of Ibadan.
Commending the officers and men of MMIA, DOGI, Edo, Kwara, Niger, Enugu, Oyo and Katsina Commands of the Agency for the arrests and seizures, NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) stated that their operational successes and those of their compatriots across the country especially their balanced approach to drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts are well appreciated.
He extended eid-el-fitr greetings to them, their families, other stakeholders and Nigerians at large.
“May the spirit of obedience and sacrifice that defines this special day guide and strengthen us as we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a drug-free society.
“May Allah continue to bless and guide us and may our collective efforts bring us closer to a safer and healthier society for all”, the NDLEA boss added.