NDLEA GOES TOUGH ON DRUG TRAFFICKERS

Plans Denying Them Nigerian Passports

Tougher times seem to be ahead of drug traffickers as the National
Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Glade
yesterday declared that the Federal Government would no longer issue
international passport for any Nigerian arrested for drug trafficking
offences.

Glade made the declaration at his Lagos office during an official
visit by the British Government Foreign Office Minister of State for
Immigration, Migration, Drugs and Serious Crime, Dr Kim Howells to
the agency.

Glade's assurance was in response to the revelation by Howells that
in Britain, serious drug trafficking offenders are never given option
of fine as in Nigeria. According to Howells, offenders are sent to
jail, while their properties, worth millions of dollars are often
confiscated.

The penalty, he said was based on findings that most wealthy drug
traffickers easily pay fines and later go back to the crime.

Glade who said he was pleased by the visit from the British official,
added that it was a visit that underscored the importance the British
government attached to the fight against narcotic drugs in
particular and organized crimes in general.

His words: "Though difficult times, the High Commissioner has stood
on our side to ensure that our common enemies, the drug barons and
godfathers of organized crime are not allowed the reign."

The NDLEA boss said he was convinced that illicit drug trafficking
and its attendant consequences such as serious organized crimes,
violence and money laundering undermine national security, societal
growth and development.

Howells said the activities of drug trafficker in West African
countries are very high and of serious concern because the health
implication is dangerous for youths.

While applauding the NDLEA in the prolonged and continual fight
against drug traffickers, Howells noted that what usually undermines
the good fight is the attitude of corrupt officials who are supposed
to be waging war against traffickers.

"No matter where the corruption is, we need to root it out! Whether
in Nigeria or Britain. If we don't do it, the drug cartel will always
be on the prowl, looking for a weakness to exploit," said Howells.

Listing the agency's achievements since January to September 2007,
Glade said the agency has successfully arrested 241 suspects and
intercepted 431 kilogrammes of narcotic drugs at the various airports
in the country.

Cocaine seizures, which he said were the highest with 253.508
kilogrammes, was followed by heroin 90.982 kilogrammes and cannabis
86.614 kilogrammes.