Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says the agency successfully prosecuted 1,157
drug offenders between January and June 2014.
was contained in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesman, Mr Mitchell Ofoyeju
in Lagos.
distribution of offenders across the states shows that Kano State recorded the
highest number of 111 convicted during the period in review.
1,157 drug offenders were successfully convicted. Kano State recorded the
highest number of convictions for the period with 111 persons.
“Kaduna is next with 105; Lagos 75; Bauchi 73 and the Federal Capital
Territory (FCT) Abuja 72,’’ Giade said.
The statement also quoted Giade as saying that the agency arrested a total of 4,511
suspected drug traffickers within the same period, while 47,422.678kg of narcotic drugs were also seized.
He said the drugs consisted 45,875kg of cannabis, 34.79kg of cocaine, 43.953kg
of heroin, 22.07kg of methamphetamine and 1,446.865kg of psychotropic
substances.
country, the Chairman said the agency had put in place measures to medically
examine suspected drug traffickers before taking them into custody.
Giade said suspected drug traffickers; including persons who test positive for
the Ebola virus would not go unpunished.
“All commands of the agency have been directed to carry out compulsory
pre-detention screening to prevent the deadly Ebola virus disease.
“Ebola victims found in possession of narcotic drugs shall not be allowed to
go scot-free. I have issued an operational directive on new suspect handling
guidelines because of the Ebola virus.
“ There must be proper Ebola pre-screening examination before a suspect is
detained. So far, we have not had any case of Ebola virus victim involved in
drug trafficking in the country.
“If any drug suspect tests positive for the Ebola virus, he or she shall be
handed over to the medical authorities and shall be prosecuted as soon as a
clean bill of health is issued,” Giade said.
The chairman said regular washing of hands, use of sanitizers, wearing of hand
gloves and other protective materials were some measures the anti-narcotic
agency was taking to protect officers.
“We are compelled to modify our modus operandi because of the Ebola virus
disease outbreak. The agency is taking necessary measures to prevent the deadly
virus.
“In the past, we only had cause to isolate suspects with airborne diseases like
tuberculosis. This Ebola virus certainly is a bigger challenge that requires
serious attention,” the NDLEA boss said.
