NDLEA GETS X-RAY SCANNING MACHINE FROM US

The United States Government last week donated a body scanning X-ray
machine to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The x-ray scanner machine was inaugurated at the Murtala Muhammed
International Airport, Ikeja by the United States Ambassador to
Nigeria, Ms Robin Renee Sanders.

Sanders said the gesture is part of efforts to support Nigeria in
combating drug trafficking.

She informed that apart from the scanner x-ray machine at Lagos
Airport, Port Harcourt International Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport,
Abuja, and Mallam Aminu Kano Airport also have the scanner machines installed.

According to her, the United States Government spent about $1.2
million for the purchase of the scanner and other anti-narcotic
equipment in Nigeria .

"United States will continue to fight against the scourge and in the
spirit of co-operation.

"It gives me pleasure to dedicate another scanner, which is an
important new tool in Nigeria's anti drug trafficking arsenal.

"It is a full body scanner that will enable NDLEA to perform a quick
non-invasive search of suspected drug traffickers and to locate
illegal drugs or other contraband, no matter how cleverly hidden they
might be," she said.

NDLEA's Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, canvassed for a minimum jail
term of 15 years as prescribed by the law for drug related offences.

He said: "However, in order to drastically reduce the rate of drug
trafficking, we are exploring legal means to ensure that drug
trafficking culprits get a minimum jail term of 15 years as
prescribed by the law.

"The implication is that longer years of imprisonment now await
anyone that commits any drug related offence," he said.