NDLEA ARRESTS 300 IN EDO

In its bid to rid the society of illicit drugs, Edo State command of
the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has impounded
71,000 kilogrammes of Indian hemp and arrested 300 persons.

It also impounded 15 vehicles used for conveying the drugs and
facilitated the conviction of 18 suspects, while 10 are still awaitng
prosecution.

Edo State Director of NDLEA, Mr Okey Ihebom, said this while briefing
newsmen in Benin, weekend.

According to him, the seizures were made between January and June
this year, adding that this year's figure may tripple that of last
year where 76,000 kilogrammes of carnabis was publicly burnt on
January 26, 2008.

He said the impounded drugs are in two categories, the raw weed for
local consumption; and the processed type for export.

He lamented that the drug war is a war against the rich, because
those involved are rich men and women who have devised various means
to outsmart the Agency, including through the use of vehicles with
amber light, government plate number, wearing of Police uniforms,
trucks with Army colours and other means, to escape arrest.