NDLEA Destroys Drugs Worth N596m

IN a bid to curb the rising wave of illicit drugs trafficking in Edo State, the State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday destroyed cannabis worth over N596 million.
The 79,700 kilogrammes of cannabis which was publicly burnt at a site along Benin Abraka Express road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of the state is one of the largest stock of the product so far destroyed in recent times.
Addressing the gathering before the weeds were burnt, the Chairman/Chief Executive, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Mr. Ahmadu Giade said effective drug control operates on the platform of shared responsibilities.
Represented by the Director-General of the agency Mr. Femi Ajayi, the chairman reiterated the agency’s determination to continue to protect innocent citizens against drug crimes that degrade our societal values advising that we must not sit and watch them (drug barons) exchange their drugs for money, smear our image and cause social upheaval.
“Let me warn that land owners that permit the use of their premises for illicit drug activities shall be prosecuted in accordance with the NDLEA Act”.
“Ay carrier by lad, air or sea that engages in narcotic smuggling is liable, individuals who work in cannabis plantations or cannabis ware houses will also not go scot-free”, he warned.
In his remarks, the Edo State Commander, NDLEA, Mr. Fred Ezerah said the burning of the 79,700 kilogrammes of cannabis is a demonstration of the agency’s supremacy over drug traffickers stressing that drug barons may give everything but certainly not their drugs.
Mr. Ezerah further advised that the war against illicit drugs is not the sole responsibility of NDLEA alone but that of everybody’s business even as he disclosed that a driver that is under the influence of drugs is not only risking his life but that of the passengers and other road users.
In a brief remark, the Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole lamented that the increasing rate of illicit drug trafficking in the state is alarming, disturbing and worrisome.
Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Anthony Edokpayi, Comrade Oshiomhole however, warned drug barons to either relocate from the state or be ready for serious fight from the state government and security agencies operating within the state.
Comrade Oshiomhole therefore called on NDLEA to have closer ties with the traditional institutions so that it can take the fight against illicit drugs to the grassroots just as he enjoined the agency to redouble its effort in ensuring that the war against the spread of illicit drugs is taken to the main sources of the drugs.
High point of the ceremony was the burning of the over 79,700 kilogrammes of cannabis approximately 80 tonnes of the product valued at N596 million.