NDLEA burns N1.9bn narcotics in Abuja

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has destroyed narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in the Federal Capital Territory, weighing 7,248.529kg and valued at N1.9bn.

In a statement on Thursday by the NDLEA Head of Public Affairs, Mr. Mitchell Ofoyeju, the drugs were said to be forfeited exhibits seized by both the FCT and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport commands of the agency.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who led other dignitaries in setting the drugs ablaze, also gave the breakdown of the drugs.

He said the public burning of the drugs was in compliance with a Federal High Court order. Cannabis took the largest share of the drugs at 7,183.5kg; psychotropic substances, 40.9kg; cocaine, 18.254kg; methamphetamine 4.7kg and heroin 1.175kg.

Giade said, “This exercise is a victory for the country.  It is a demonstration of the agency’s capacity to confront drug barons and confiscate the drugs which they so much cherish but which also destroy our youth.

“It also underscores the worthlessness of dealing in narcotics, knowing that the drugs will ultimately go down the drain just as the drugs are being reduced to ashes this day.”

FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Security, Col. A.S Kudu(retd.), urged all the area council chiefs to support the NDLEA.

FCT Commander of the NDLEA, Mr. Dennis Obiefule, said the command had successfully rehabilitated 68 drug-dependent persons.

He said, “The FCT Command, between January and October 2013, successfully counselled and rehabilitated 68 drug-dependent persons, who have also been re-united with their family members.”

A total of 1,404.27 hectares of cannabis plantations were said to have been discovered and destroyed by the NDLEA in 2012. Ekiti State also destroyed 764 hectares which is about half the total farm land seized in the year.

The burning was witnessed by both local and international partners. The representatives of the United States Embassy, Du D. Tran; Director, International Narcotics and Law Enforcement, Police Attaché Embassy of France, Jean-Pierre Dubus; the Commander, Guards  Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Emmanuel Ateweh; the Ona of Abaji, AlhajiAdamuYunusa, among other dignitaries.