2003: NDLEA INTERCEPTS 1.045M DRUGS

Lagos

5,157 Suspects Held

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that 1.045
million drugs and other illict pharmaceutical products were seized
across the country between January and December 2003, in order to
ensure a drug-free nation.

Deputy Director of the Agency who represented Chairman, Alhaji Bello
Lafiaji yesterday at the public presentation of 2003 International
Narcotics Control Board Report, also revealed that 5, 157 suspects
were apprehended in the year under review.

"I recall that at a similar occasion last year, I reaffirmed our
commitment towards the achievement of more strides in the
anti-narcotic crusade. I am happy to note that this pledge has not
only been fulfilled but was appropriately acknowledged in the report
being presented today. Thus, in 2003 we made a total seizure of
1044128.481kg, including 170.32983kg of cocaine 143.20585kg of heroin,
1,042,087.14kg of cannabis and 1727.805kg of psychotropic substances.
During the same period we apprehended a total number of 5,157 drug
suspects out of which we were able to successfully prosecute more than
90 percent", he emphasised.

Other achievements that were made within the year under review, he
further said, include establishment of the West African Joint
Operations (WAJO) programme which, he noted, has succeeded in
co-ordinating various multi-national anti-drug joint operations among
several West African countries.

He also said that a collaboration with the United Nations Office for
Drugs Control and Crime Prevention (UNODCCP), has given birth to the
Regional Academy in Jos which has successfully been transformed into
an international training centre with full complements of facilities.

Accordingly, he said, arrangement has been concluded for the first
international training, stressing that participants would be drawn
from other countries of the world.

On his part, Paul Salay, UNODCCP Country Representative who stood in
for the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, Philip
O. Emafo, called for more government action as in special budgetary
allocation, strengthening of concerned law enforcement agencies, among
others.

He equally called for concerted efforts among civil societies,
emphasising that bold measures were needed to put the situation under
control.

"The Board believes that more needs to be done to prevent drug abusing
population and people of risk. Governments and non-governmental
organisations have roles to play in this regard.