86 DRUG BARONS, TRAFFICKERS CONVICTED IN RIVERS

Port Harcourt -- No fewer than 86 drug barons and traffickers of
cocaine, heroin and Indian hemp in Rivers State have been convicted
and sentenced to prison terms while many other suspects of
drug-related offences are currently standing trial at the Federal High
Court in the state.

On the whole, 266 suspects were arrested for drug trafficking between
June 2008 and 2009, following which 2, 766 kgs. of hard drugs, out of
which 620.9 grams was cocaine, 140.4 heroin and 2,763.4 kilograms was
cannabis sativa, (Indian hemp).

Giving the breakdown in Port Harcourt, last weekend, commander of the
state National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Mr. Adamu Eieege,
said 40 women were among the 266 drug dealers that were picked up by
the agency during the period.

Eieege, who met in the city with stakeholders, students, and a cross
section of the public in commemoration of the UN International Day
against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, said the outfit was
propelled in carrying out its duties by "speedy and meticulous" approach.

He said, "those prosecuted and jailed often lose their possessions,
which were acquired with the proceeds of drug.

One potent strategy of incapacitating drug barons and combating drug
trafficking is by seizure and forfeiture of all movable and immovable
proceeds of this illicit business."