2,904 offenders jailed, 1.8 tons cocaine burnt – NDLEA

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), has noted that the commission has been able to ensure the conviction of exactly 2,904 drug offenders.

This was as he threatened that a more challenging time awaits drug barons and cartels operating in the country if they fail to back out of their illegal trade and embrace legitimate ventures.

He said, “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.”

The NDLEA had in a well-coordinated and intelligence-led operation that lasted two days last week 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.” NDLEA’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the NDLEA boss, the agency is proceeding with the prosecution of those arrested in connection with this consignment.

Speaking at the venue of the public destruction in the Badagry area of Lagos on Tuesday, the NDLEA’s Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Sunday Joseph representing Marwa, noted that the sheer volume of the drug haul, with street value put at $278, 250,000, equivalent to N194, 775,000,000, speaks volume about the extent of the nefarious activities of the drug underworld.

He gave the assurance on Tuesday, September 27, while leading stakeholders to witness the crushing and setting ablaze 1.8 tons of cocaine recovered by the Agency from a warehouse in the Ikorodu area of Lagos last week.

He said this has made it imperative for Nigerians to continue to support NDLEA in the renewed war against illicit drugs, adding that out of the 1.8-ton seizure, one, 828 blocks of cocaine will be crushed and set ablaze. At the same time, the remnant will be secured for the purpose of prosecution of the suspects who were brought to witness the procedure and sign the certificate of destruction.

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