TheCable

Buba Marwa, chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says the agency arrested 50,901 drug offenders, including 46 drug barons, in the last three years.

Marwa spoke on Monday at the inauguration of an operational facility for crime investigation, built for the NDLEA by the UK government, in Lagos.

He said the agency also secured the conviction of 9,034 offenders and seized more than 7,561 tonnes of illicit substances during the period.

He assured that the agency had taken decisive action against the cultivation of illicit drugs with its search-and-destroy campaign on Indian hemp plantations.

He said the campaign has led to the destruction of more than one million hectares of such plantations in the last three years.

Marwa commended the British government for its generous support for the NDLEA, adding that the facility would boost the agency’s capability to tackle substance abuse and drug trafficking.

“I must express our deepest gratitude to the British government for its unwavering commitment and invaluable contributions to our cause,” NAN quoted Marwa as saying.

“This building complex stands not only as a physical structure, but as a symbol of the enduring partnership between our two nations in the global fight against drug trafficking.

“It represents the culmination of years of cooperation, mutual trust, and shared determination to combat one of the most pressing threats to our societies.

“The significance of this project cannot be overstated. It will serve as a vital hub for data analysis and strategic planning in our efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and apprehend those culpable.”

The chairman called on the UK government to continue to partner with the NDLEA to disrupt crime networks, intercept illegal drugs, and bring those who seek to profit from illicit drug trade to justice.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jonny Baxter, the British deputy high commissioner to Nigeria, assured of continued support for the NDLEA.

“We are delighted to continue our support for the NDLEA and for the Nigerian government to tackle what is sadly a global industry, which needs a global response,” he said.

“I join the chairman in affirming our continued support; our continued cooperation and indeed our continued pride in working together with ladies and gentlemen of this agency, the NDLEA.”