2,904 convicts incarcerated,1.8 tons of cocaine burnt – NDLEA reveal
Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retired), the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has emphasized that the commission was able to guarantee the conviction of precisely 2,904 drug offenders.
He warned that drug lords and gangs operating in the nation would face tougher times if they did not give up their criminal business and engage in legal endeavors.
He stated: “On this, the public can rest assured that NDLEA shall pursue the trial to a logical conclusion.
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.
“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.”
A secret warehouse at 6, Olukunola Street, Solebo Estate Ikorodu was stormed by the NDLEA last week during a well-planned, intelligence-driven operation that lasted two days. 1.8 tons of cocaine were found there, and five suspects, including a Jamaican, were detained.
An order from the Federal High Court in Lagos was obtained for the public destruction of the consignment following the largest-ever seizure, which set a record for the agency. Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA‘s spokesperson, stated in a statement on Tuesday.
The NDLEA boss stated that the organization is continuing to prosecute people who were detained in connection with this consignment.
Sunday Joseph, who was speaking on behalf of Marwa, the NDLEA‘s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, noted that the sheer volume of the drug haul, with a street value estimated at $278,250,000, or N194, 775,000,000, speaks volumes about the extent of the criminal activities of the drug underworld.
On Tuesday, September 27, he offered the guarantee while escorting stakeholders to watch 1.8 tons of cocaine that had been seized by the Agency from a warehouse in the Ikorodu neighborhood of Lagos the previous week being crushed and burnt on fire.
He added that out of the 1.8 tons seized, 1,828 blocks of cocaine will be smashed and put on fire, making it crucial for Nigerians to help the NDLEA in the ongoing fight against illicit drugs. The remnant will also be protected in order to prosecute the suspects who were present to see the process through and sign the certificate of destruction.
