NDLEA intercepts N1.2bn drugs in two months

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 1,063 suspects for drug-related offences between July and August 2012. It also intercepted 9,811.397kg of narcotics during the period.

 

Narcotics intercepted in these months included cannabis, 9,250.539kg; cocaine, 22.63kg; heroin, 25.539kg; and psychotropic substances weighing 513.056kg.

 

The narcotics valued at about N1.19bn included cocaine, N181m; heroin, N204m; psychotropic substance N769m and cannabis, N33m.

 

Also, the agency said it destroyed cannabis farms covering 715 hectares in the period.

A breakdown of the data our correspondent obtained from the agency showed that 538 suspected drug traffickers were apprehended with 3,711.837kg of narcotics in July.

 

Of the 538 arrested in July, 178 persons have been convicted, while 550.766 hectares of cannabis farms were destroyed.

 

Out of seized narcotics in July, cannabis had the highest volume, weighing 3,487.149kg; cocaine, 10.093kg; heroin, 0.019grammes and psychotropic substances 214.576kg.

 

In August, the NDLEA said it arrested 525 suspects with 6,099.56kg of various drugs. These included 5,763.39kg of cannabis, 12.17kg of cocaine, 25.52kg of heroin, and 298.48kg of psychotropic substances.

 

The agency also said it discovered and destroyed cannabis farms measuring 149 hectares same month.

The Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, said the agency had discovered more tricks and concealing methods of drug trafficking cartels in an attempt to avoid detection, prevent huge financial losses and evade arrests and prosecution.

 

He said, “Drug barons go the extra mile in hiding their drugs. Unlike in the past, these days, most modes of concealment are factory done.

 

“The use of female hand bags, cooking pots, candles and false bottom of luggage are some of the common ways adopted by drug traffickers to conceal drugs.

 

“Some drug suspects caught recently use metal handles of bags as means of concealment. Interestingly, liquid cocaine in sachets properly packaged to look like juice was also intercepted.

“Other items used to hide drugs that were detected include bed sheets, engine pistons, soles of shoes, television sets, and even industrially sealed tin food packs.”

 

While he admitted that drug barons were becoming more sophisticated in drug concealment, he said the agency had put in place measures to address the upsurge in illegal drug activities in the country as the end of the year approached.

 

“There was also a special case of a drug suspect that emulsified cocaine in solvent and immersed clothes in the solution making the cocaine look like starch on the clothes. This is the reality of the drug war today.

 

“Several techniques have also been adopted for inter-state cannabis smuggling. These include the use of foodstuff like garri, yam and plantain. Other dealers use government and missionary vehicles usually with the connivance of drivers.

 

“The use of fake official vehicle number plates was also detected. Interestingly, the more drug barons try to hide the drugs, the more seizures are being made daily.”