N133million drugs burnt to ashes in KOGI

Emeka Ibemere

In their avowed determination to make the country drug –free society before the general election in 2015, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has begun the destruction of illicit drugs in Nigeria by stepping up plans in destroying cannabis farmlands throughout the country.

Earlier this week, the agency moved to Kogi State on exhibit destruction after the competent court had declared them to be burnt.  Narcotic drugs mainly cannabis valued at N133million were burnt to ashes by the NDLEA in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.

Led by the Chairman/Chief Executive of the Agency, Ahmadu Giade and the Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Steven Tayo Aremu, including the Kogi State Commander of the Agency, Mr. Idris Bello and other invited guests, the 13,372.209kg of drugs was set ablaze.

The NDLEA boss, who expressed satisfaction with the destruction exercise, said that cannabis was the most abused drug in the country.

“We have a total of 13,372.209kg of drugs for destruction this morning. Cannabis Sativa otherwise called hemp constitutes the largest chunk of the drugs with 13, 319.829kg. Diazepam is 3.40kg, Rohypnol is 180grms, and Tramadol is 850grms and Volatile Solvent 47.950kg”, he stated.

“These statistics attest to the fact that cannabis is the most abused drug in the country. I am satisfied with this public burning of drug exhibits aimed at promoting national peace and security”.

Speaking on the matter, Kogi State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Honourable Steven Tayo Aremu who represented the Governor of the state, Idris Wada pledged support for drug control programmes in the State. According to Aremu, “Kogi State government is happy that these dangerous drugs seized by the NDLEA are being destroyed. This will promote peace in the country and we are prepared to assist the NDLEA in the State to achieve greater results. Working to eradicate illicit drugs from the society is in the interest of all”.

In his welcome address, the Kogi State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Idris Bello said that 576 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended in the State since January 2014.

“We have arrested 576 suspected drug traffickers since January 2014. Out of this number, 89 have been convicted while other cases are still pending. The command also provided counselling services for 191 persons with drug abuse problem in the State,” Bello stated.

Kogi State is a crucial gateway between cannabis cultivating States in the South West and the northern States. Some spectacular seizures of cannabis made were exhibited in pictures while vehicles with false compartment used in smuggling drugs were brought to the venue of the destruction. Giade emphasized the need for public support in the fight against drugs.

“Drug trafficking is associated with money laundering, violence, organized crime and terrorist activities. The use of drug influences criminals to perpetrate dastardly acts. Parents must be knowledgeable and educate their children on the dangers of drug trafficking and abuse. Teachers must sensitize students to the threat of endangering their career by indulging in drug trafficking and abuse. Opinion leaders, local and international organisations must lend their voices to the anti-drug campaign,” The NDLEA boss stated.

Highlight of the event was a drama presentation on the destructive power of drugs by members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Drug Free Club in Lokoja. The Agency assured members of the public that it would remain focused and committed to its strategic objective of a drug-free Nigeria.

NDLEA told parents to identify and enlighten their children on drug abuse risk factors. Such predisposing factors include, peer pressure, wrong counsel from friends, lack of parental supervision, availability and abuse of drugs. Others factors include ignorance, desire to experiment with drugs, poverty and frustration. Persons with drug abuse problem were advised to seek counselling and rehabilitation services.

Those who were at the ceremony include the Kogi State director of Prosecution, Mrs. Ruth Alolo Alfa, Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Paul Okafor and Honourable Ruben Jubelo among other dignitaries.

Recently, Newswatch Times gathered that the renewed attack on drug cartels was aimed at halting the large scale cultivation of cannabis otherwise known as hemp. It would also prevent the replacement of cocoa and food crops with the deadly plant.

NDLEA has warned as it discovered and destroyed 100 hectares of cannabis plantation in Ikoyi forest, Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State.

During the destruction of the illicit cannabis plantation, 80 NDLEA officers drawn from South West and Edo State Commands as well as 50 labourers took part in the operation that lasted thirty-six hours from Monday night.

Two arrests were made in respect of the discovery and the Agency was working very hard to identify all culprits behind cannabis cultivation and bring them to book.

Giade warned that the anti-drug Agency would not allow criminal groups to replace cash and food crops with cannabis.

“The large scale cultivation of cannabis has left us with no option but to declare a total war against cannabis cultivators. NDLEA will vehemently resist the replacement of cocoa, cassava and other food crops with cannabis plants”, he stated.

“In the past two months, the Agency carried out three major operations to destroy cannabis plantations in the South West. The first was 184 hectares and the second 50 hectares both in Ondo State. This third operation in Osun State, a total of 100 hectares of cannabis plantation was discovered and destroyed.”

NDLEA boss assured that cannabis farm destruction is an on-going exercise that would not stop until criminal groups involved in the act are identified and punished.

NDLEA Director of Operations and General Investigation, Mr. Olugbenga Mabo who led the operation said that two farmers have been detained.

 “I personally participated in the operation because of the seriousness attached to it by management. The activities of cannabis cultivators are a threat to food security. We were able to trace the farms because of intelligence report which the Agency has been processing for several months. Two farmers resident in the cannabis plantation were apprehended. Apart from the large plantations so far detected, there are other intelligence reports we have received”.

Mabo added that the Agency would adequately motivate members of staff who participate in cannabis farm destruction because of the cumbersome nature and peculiar challenges.

Again, he said: “Cannabis farm operations are unique because of the location of the farms. As a result of the peculiar challenges, the Agency has several means of motivating officers that participates in these operations. This involves cash rewards, letters of commendation and outright promotion as specified in the NDLEA order”.