TheCable

Nigeria is set to host the heads of national drug law enforcement agencies in Africa (HONLAF) to discuss and develop strategies for combating drug trafficking and abuse in the continent.

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), announced the development at a press conference on Tuesday.

Marwa, who was represented by Shadrach Haruna, NDLEA secretary, said the event which would kick off on September 26 would run for three days.

Haruna said it would be a platform for sharing intelligence with the aim of forming a strong regional defence against transnational illicit drug organisations trying to establish bases in African countries.

He said HONLAF is a subsidiary body of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Also speaking at the event, Oliver Stolpe, UNODC country representative, said the meeting is part of regional illicit production and cultivation of drugs.

“There will also be discussion on alternative development, an approach promoted by many countries; financial investigation in drug trafficking cases and the role of cryptocurrency in drug trafficking cases, and money laundering,” NAN quoted Stolpe as saying.

He also commended the operational successes of the NDLEA, especially in destroying cannabis farms and manufacturing sites of other illicit drugs like methamphetamine.

“It is safe to say NDLEA has made great strides in confiscating the money and proceeds of drug crime. we will also look at how to follow the money and seize the immense riches accumulated in the drug trade.”