83 convicted over drugs by Lagos NDLEA

Abiodun Oba |

Of the 108 suspects being prosecuted for various drug offences by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Lagos State Command, an encouraging 83 convictions have been secured between January and July.

The State Commander, Alhaji Sule Aliyu said this while briefing newsmen in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to Aliyu, restricted drugs worth millions of naira were also seized by the command during the period.

“The drugs seized include Tramadol, Cocaine, Exol, Raphynol and Heroine and Cannabis Sativa popularly called “igbo’’ which amounted to 1956.3 kg.

“Other drugs seized are Tramadol weighing 995.8 kg, and Diezapam 74.7kg, Cocaine 28.5kg and Heroine 7.3kg.

“108 suspects are responsible for the above seizures, and they comprise 106 males and two females, and they have been accordingly charged to court,’’ he revealed.

The commander said during the period under review, 58 drug dependent persons were picked at the scene of operation, counselled and reintegrated into the society.

Aliyu said that the prosecution unit of the Command during the period under review successfully prosecuted and convicted 83 drug offenders at the Federal High Court Lagos with various jail terms.

He attributed the success of the command to commitment and hard work by officers of the command who were dedicated and ready to give their very best to fighting drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the state.

Aliyu also urged members of the public to assist the agency in ensuring that drug trafficking was nipped in the bud.

“The public is, however, not left out from the achievement recorded, but more is expected from them in providing credible information to help NDLEA in performing its duty.

According to him, this is because the general public is most affected by drug trafficking.

He appreciated Lagos State Government for its support in the fight against drug abuse and solicited for more support and collaboration to end drug peddling in the state.

In attendance at the briefing were the Assistant State Commanders, Mrs Rosana Nnodim, Mr Ojo Ogbechema, and the Assistant Director of Prosecution, Mr Jeremiah Aernan.

Others are the Principal Staff of investigation, Mr Ishaku Lawal and the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Musa Mallum