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.
Punch
