NDLEA LINKS FARMERS TO INDIAN HEMP CULTIVATION

The Katsina State Command of the NDLEA has expressed dismay over the
involvement of some Fadama farmers in the trial cultivation of Indian hemp.

The state Commander, Alhaji Hamisu Lawan, told newsmen in Katsina
that "drug peddling, especially of Indian hemp has taken a more
worrisome dimension".

He said that the Fadama farmers involved in trial cultivation of
Indian hemp were found in the southern part of the state.

Lawan said the agency had so far arrested four Fadama farmers for
cultivating the substance in Dike village, Funtua Local Government
area of the state.

He said that two of the farmers had been prosecuted, while the
remaining two, Abdullahi Rabi'u and Murtala Yusuf, were being investigated.

Lawan also said the command had secured the conviction of 98 persons
including a councillor of Kurfi Local Government in the 2006/2007 legal year.

He said 20 other persons were also awaiting arraignment before the
Federal High Court in Katsina.

Lawan disclosed that large quantity of illicit drugs such as Indian
hemp, cocaine and other psychotropic substances were seized from the
suspects during the period.

The unprecedented number of prosecutions in the state, he said, was
in line with the resolve of the agency to rid the country of drug
menace and other vices.

Lawan, who commended the people of the state for supporting the
NDLEA, called for their continued co-operation in the fight against drug abuse.