ABSENCE OF JUDGES DELAYS TRIAL OF DRUG OFFENDERS

The Cross River State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Adeyemi Adeofe,
has said that the absence of Judges at the Federal High Court,
Calabar, is now delaying the trial of suspected drug offenders in the state.

Adeofe told the News Agency of Nigeria yesterday in Calabar that 43
suspected drug offenders, who were arrested since July 2007, had not
been taken to court due to the absence of Judges at the Federal High
Court in Calabar.

Adeofe disclosed that two judges, who were transferred to the state
to man the court since August 2007, were yet to assume duty, pointing
out that the situation had made NDLEA to keep the suspects in cell
since their arrest.

Adeofe said that 31 Canabis smokers were also arrested, counseled and
subsequently released.

He noted that the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency in the
state were being hampered by lack of operational vehicles and other logistics.

The Commander, however, said that the state governor, Sen. Liyel
Imoke, had promised to offer a lifeline to the NDLEA in that regard
to enhance its activities.

Speaking on the number of arrests made by the agency,

Adeofe said that the agency arested 43 suspected drug offenders in
Cross River between July and December last year.

Adeofe explained that of the total figure, four were women and that
they were all dealers in Canabis or Indian hemp.

He disclosed that the NDLEA seized a total of 395.13 kg of Canabis
and five grammes of Cocaine from the suspected offenders.

The Commander said that the state command also destroyed three acres
of cannabis farmland within the period under review.