NDLEA ARRESTS VILLAGE HEAD, OTHERS OVER CANNABIS IN KEBBI

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have
destroyed 13 hectares of cannabis plantation at Dikwala village of
Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The 40 years old village head of Dikwala, Danjuma Wade, and Gambo
Zugu, 50 years old have been arrested in connection with the illegal
cultivation.

The discovery of the cannabis farm and the arrest of Danjuma Wade is
said to be the first case of cannabis cultivation to be recorded in
the history of Kebbi State command.

Reacting to the arrest, the Chief Executive of the agency. Ahmade
Giade, described the strange discovery as a product of training and
spirit of commitment by officers. Giade said that "the northern
States are not known for cannabis cultivation but as investigators we
must be on the alert and stop drug barons before they destroy our
youths who are most susceptible to drug abuse".

The NDLEA boss also said that the Agency is not unmindful of the
wiles of drug barons and that by going the extra mile in undercover
operations, his officers and men have been able to foil their evil
plans. He described the involvement of Danjuma Wade a village head
as shameful.

The discovery according to the NDLEA Kebbi State Commander Mr.
Ogilegwu Ona Joseph is a product of several months of surveillance
activities conducted on the prime suspect who was hiding under his
official position as a village head to perpetrate the criminal act
of cannabis cultivation unknown to members of his community.

Meanwhile, preliminary investigation has revealed that the suspects
have been involved in the obnoxious act for some years but decided to
increase the size of the farm considering the remoteness of the area.

They also planted maize at the entrance of the farm as a ruse. Given
the remoteness of the location of the farm, officers had to trek
several hours in the forest to get to the farm from the point where
their vehicle could no longer drive due to the difficult terrain.

The Commander said that the State government is pleased with the
efforts of the NDLEA and has promised to give necessary assistance to
help rid the state of illicit drugs.