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Tag: NDLEA

  • NDLEA harps on the dangers of drug abuse

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Friday reiterated its advice to Nigerians to shun drug abuse.

    It described drug abuse as social problem of serious consequences to the abuser and society.

    Mr Ladan Hashim, its Principal Staff Officer (Drug Demand Reduction) in Zamfara Command, gave the advice while speaking to newsmen in Gusau.

    Hashimu said drug abuse had regrettably spread to the different strata of the society.

    He said that the development had attracted the attention of government and international organisations which had embarked on several policies and programmes to curb the menace.

    The fight against drug abuse is coordinated by the NDLEA through public enlightenment, seizure, arrest and prosecution of offenders.

    Read Also: NDLEA arraigns suspected drug baron

    According to Hashimu, in a period of less than a year, at least 13 persons, mostly females, had gone mad under the influence of drug abuse in the state.

    “The new dimension in drug abuse these days are heroin and cocaine as well as some traditional toxic,” he said.

    Hashim said that drugs being taken in “localized forms” included lizard dung, steam from pit latrines and gutters.

    “This is in addition to the rampant use of cough syrup with codeine and rubber solution glue,” he said.

    He charged families, schools, religious and traditional leaders to intensify their efforts in inculcating and molding the characters of young ones

    Hashimu also urged government, civil society organizations and individuals to get involved in the activities that prevent people from falling into the habit.

    NAN

  • NDLEA intensifies campaign in Abia

    After a seminar with patent medicine dealers in Abia State last year, the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state has organised another one seeking to keep residents, especially youths, off hard drugs and blatant abuse.

    In the first seminar, the NDLEA said they were hoping the event would sensitise everyone enough for a significant reduction in the use of hard drugs and unprescribed medications.

    In Umuahia, the state capital, where the agency held the first seminar, it was revealed that nothing has changed since then. Young people are still doing grave harm to theselves. One secondary school pupil recently killed himself in Ohafia with an overdose of one of those medications, Tramadol, because he wanted to boost his strength during an inter-house sports competition.

    The state commander of NDLEA, Mr. Akingbade Bamidele while delivering a lecture lamented the attitude of patent medicine dealers who sell such drugs to make profits and destroy the health of others.

    He said, “The reason why we are here, is primarily to address increase in abuse of psychotropic substances; Tramadol, Benelin with Codeine and lately Rohypnol. You will recall that late last year we had workshop for patent medicine dealers in the state to address the issue. But yet we have discovered from the monitoring and evaluation that we have carried out that compliance is still very low. What we want to do is to go over the sensitisation again and luckily enough the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor has an approval for him to conduct the same seminar. So, we are partnering with him and we will soon be going over to all the local government in the state to sensitise the public against the use of Tramadol, Benelin with Codeine and Rohypnol.

    “First of all, we have to identify the source where these drugs are coming from. That’s why we started with the patent medicine sellers. If we discourage them from dispensing these drugs, those who depend on them will not find the drugs readily available to them. The next thing we are going to do is already under discussion which is to have a radio and television programme at least twice a month in the state where we can use as a channel for sensitising Abians on the dangers inherent in using these drugs. I told you we have already sent a proposal to his Excellency which we are sure he will approve. Very soon, we are going to call you again when we will tour the seventeen LGAs, similarly to create this awareness about the departure from the normal trend where they use cannabis, heroine, and cocaine. Because the hotspots are decreasing in the state, people are moving into alternative drugs which will give them the same kick as cocaine and heroin and they have found them in Tramadol, Benelin with Codine, and Rohypnol. “Rohypnol and Tramadol are controlled drugs, but they have their therapeutic values. Patent medicine dealers are not allowed to dispense these drugs. These are drugs that should be dispensed by pharmacists who will ask for prescription before dispensing them. Like I narrated before about the incident in Ohafia where a Junior Secondary School Student took ten tablets of Tramadol and died. That drug must have been purchased from one of those patent medicine dealers whom we are not yet sure of the identity until we go into full investigation and know the dispenser. So, what we are trying to do now is to make sure is that those that are not expected to dispense these drugs don’t sell these drugs at all. What we are appealing to them is that whenever someone keeps coming o require for dosages that are beyond medical prescription, they shouldn’t sell the drugs to them. We are including Benelin with Codine because they are using it to combine with Tramadol. While one is a stimulant, the other is a depressant. This is why we are having cases of mental illnesses everywhere as a result of using stimulant and depressant at the same time.

    “We have been carrying out series of awareness in primary and secondary schools. I can confirm to you that we have established not less than 30 drug free clubs in primary and secondary schools in the state. This is because when we carry out this sensitization during the assembly period, the questions they ask about Tramadol and Benelin with Codine are very worrisome. They are already aware of these drugs and they are already using them.

    “The reason we want to go into the entire LGAs is to bring their parents and teachers and relevant stakeholders. Another proposal we sent to the governor is to have drug education in the school curriculum. These issues we are dealing on which is drug abuse and these various drugs, can be taught in school by the teachers in classes. If the boy that took ten tablets of Tramadol knew what will happen to him, he wouldn’t have gotten himself into it.”

  • Security in Sokoto, Kaduna, Katsina, Zamfara collaborate to tackle crime

    Security agencies in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states say they are collaborating to tackle criminality in their areas of operation.

    The formations that include; Army, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDC ) and NDLEA, told the News men that they were conducting joint security operations and sharing intelligence information on criminals to enable them to effectively combat crime.

    The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Mr Murtala Mani, said his command had effective collaboration with all security agencies in the state.

    Mani said through the command’s Spokesman, Cordelia Nwawe, that although the state was largely peaceful, it was working with other agencies on crime mapping and surveillance.

    “We have working synergy with Army, NSCDC, NDLEA, DSS and vigilance groups on tackling incidences of cattle rustling, kidnapping, armed robbery and other crimes.’’

    He said armed robbery, cattle rustling and kidnappings occurred mostly in Raba, Goronyo, Isa and Illela local government areas of the state.

    He, however, said that the cases were being effectively curtailed with combined efforts of other security agencies and communities.

    Also, Mr Babangida Dutsinma, State Commandant of NSDC in the state, said four security agencies were jointly conducting a special operation code-named ‘Operation Harmony’, in areas with high crime records in the state.

    Dutsinma said the NSCDC enjoyed massive support from the Army, Police, the Prisons Service and Immigration Service, using their facilities and officers for the training of its personnel.

    On its part, the police said a joint operation between security agencies in the state had resulted in dismantling many criminal gangs.

    The Spokesman of  the Police Command in the state, DSP Mohammed Shehu, said all the security agencies in the area were partnering to curtail crime.

    Mr David Abi, Commandant of NSCDC in the state, told the News men that the inter agency cooperation shared in the state was “marvellous,’’ adding that they ran “joint patrols with strong sense of patriotism, understanding, discipline and respect for one another.”

    Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC in Kaduna State,Mr Orndiir Terzengwe, said collaboration between the various security agencies had helped to tackle incidences of kidnapping and armed robbery along Kaduna – Abuja Express way, Kaduna- Birnin Gwari Road, Kaduna-Zaria and Kaduna – Jos Road, and within some urban centres across the state.

    “Continuous joint raids of suspected black spots by NDLEA, NSCDC, Police and others, are gradually reducing consumption of hard drugs among youths, which is believed to be largely responsible for youth indulging in different crimes.

    Read Also: USAID partners Sokoto, Bauchi on primary health care

    “In situations where conventional security operatives are not available, vigilance groups’ effect arrest or assist security agencies with information on the whereabouts of suspected criminals, they render intelligence assistance.

    “The Espirit de Corps is commendable but there is need to improve on what is obtainable,’’ Terzengwe.

    Muhktar Aliyu, spokesman of the state Police Command, identified some security breaches in the state to include kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery, activities of thugs and bandits.

    Aliyu said such crimes were being handled through effective joint patrols and operations.

    In Katsina State, the security agencies said they were holding regular meetings under the chairmanship of the Police Commissioner where they were appraising security issues and adopting strategies to confront them.

    Isah Gambo, spokesman of the state police command in the state, said they were conducting joint security patrols and operations, and sharing intelligence information to safeguard lives and property.

    Gambo disclosed that the command had set up a community policing unit to coordinate and set guidelines for communities engaged in providing security for their localities.

    According to him, a community policing committee has been going round the 34 local governments areas and discussing with community leaders on their security challenges with a view to addressing them.

    Sanusi Muazu, the Comptroller, Nigeria Prisons Service in the state, also said that the service had developed a strong synergy with all the security agencies operating in the state.

    Muazu said that they were working with the military, police and other security agencies, sharing intelligence information to ensure full protection of lives and property.

    NAN

  • NDLEA arraigns suspected drug baron

    NATIONAL Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a 58-year-old suspected drug baron at a Jos Federal High Court for alleged illegal possession of hard drugs.

    Jude Okoye, alias Zuma, was arrested by officers of the agency on June 9, 2017, at his store in Apata quarters, Jos North Local Government of Plateau State.

    The suspect is being tried on an eight-count charge of alleged possession of 1,372kg of Tramadol drug, 1,089kg of cough syrup, containing codeine, and 28.3kg of Diazepam injection.

    Also, in his possession was 16kg of Pentazocine injection, all alleged to be psychotropic substances.

    Other substances allegedly found in his possession include 18kg of cough syrup containing codeine, 200gm of Lorazepam tablets, 250gm of Tramadol and 100gm of Pentazocine injection.

    The NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Mr. Buhari Abdullahi, told Justice Dorothy Agishi that by possessing such hard drugs, the suspect committed offences contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the NDLEA Act Cap N30 Law of the Federation 2004.

    When the charges were read, the accused pleaded not guilty.

    The prosecution prayed the court to begin trial.

    He said: “My Lord, the frightening aspect is that most of the substances found in the accused’s possession are expired drugs. If they find their way into the market, they will pose danger to people’s lives.”

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two officers of the NDLEA gave evidence of the arrest and substances found in the possession of the baron.

    Mr. Etsu Daniel, the agency exhibit keeper, told the court the exact quantity of each of the substances found in Jude’s possession and presented them  as exhibits.

    Mr. Umar Shettiem, the defence counsel, cross examined the witnesses on their testimonies against his client.

    The prosecution later sought adjournment to present more witnesses.

    Justice Agishi adjourned the case till April 23 and 24 for continuation of hearing.

     

  • Man jailed three months for drug trafficking

    A middle-aged man, Sikiru Omowaye, was on Thursday sentenced to 92 days imprisonment drug trafficking by the Federal High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti.

    Omowaye, whose address is unknown, was sentenced after he pleaded guilty to the charge of illegal possession of Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp).

    Justice Uche Agomoh, who handed down the judgment, said the court had no option than to sentence the accused since he had made a confessional statement.

    She said the three-month imprisonment should be served with hard labour.

    Agomoh said she hoped the sentence would serve as a deterrent to others who are still engaging in illicit drug trafficking.

    Earlier, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) officer, Mr. Charles Nwagua, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 31, 2017 at Afao Ekiti.

    According to the prosecutor, the accused was caught with 1.55 kg of Cannabis Sativa in the town.

    The offence contravened Section 11 of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation 2004 and punishable under same.

  • NDLEA impounds 159m tablets of Tramadol

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has seized 159 million tablets of Tramadol at Apapa Port in Lagos, Director, Technical Services, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba, has said.

    He spoke in Abuja at a public hearing organised by the Senate Joint Committee on Drugs, Narcotics and Health.

    Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever used to treat or moderate severe pain.

    The public hearing was based on a motion: “The Need to Check the Rising Menace of Pharmaceutical Drugs Abuse among Youths in Nigeria”.

    Oloruntoba said 50 tonnes of Tramadol was destroyed in Kano.

    He said there were laws guiding the use of controlled drugs, such as Tramadol and Cocaine, adding that what is needed is enforcement of the laws.

    “In 2016, about 31 substances were abused in Nigeria,” Oloruntoba said.

    He noted that drug is on the exclusive list and should not on the concurrent list, adding that if it’s done, there will be anarchy.

    The director said only the Federal High Court had jurisdiction to try drug cases and described it as “a challenge”.

    He said because the cases could not be prosecuted in a magistrates’ court, most of the time the Federal High Court was congested.

    Oloruntoba urged the Federal Government to increase the number of judges in the Federal High Court to try cases of drug abuse.

    The President, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, Ahmed Yakasai, called for the drafting of a prescription policy to curb drug abuse.

    “We are trying to see where we have prescription policy. If we have this policy, we will know who is doing what,” he said.

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • FRSC to prosecute drivers without valid licence in Osun

    The Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC ), Osun Command, says it will start prosecuting drivers without valid driver’s licence and  expired licence on April 1.

    Mr Anthony Oko, the Sector Commander, disclosed this during a stakeholders meeting on Tuesday in Osogbo.

    Oko said the command had created enough awareness on the need for drivers to procure genuine driver’s licence and not to drive without a valid licence.

    “Any driver caught driving without a licence is regarded as a monster and a killer.

    “A driver without a licence is even endangering the lives of people when they drive a vehicle, because to be a driver, you have to go to a driving school, where you are trained and issued a certificate.

    “Any driver that is driving without a licence and gets involved in an accident would be treated as a murderer,” he said

    The sector commander also stressed the importance of going to a certified driving school for a driver’s licence and a refresher course for old drivers.

    He cautioned drivers against obtaining fake driver’s licence, adding that fake driver’s licence was difficult to differentiate from the original.

    He said that any driver’s licence obtained without the applicant physically going to FRSC for capturing and Bio-metrics was fake.

    Oko advised drivers to visit FRSC website on www.frsc.gov.ng to verify the authenticity of their drivers licence or send a text “NDLEA status” space driver’s licence number to 33811.

    NAN

  • NDLEA seizes 57,860kg of drugs

    Katsina State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said yesterday it had seized 57,860kg of drugs and arrested over 186 traffickers.

    It added that the arrests were made in the first quarter of this year.

    The Commander, Hajia Maryam Gambo Sani, who briefed reporters on the command’s performance, said of the total kilogrammes of hard drugs seized, codeine cough syrups constituted a higher number, with 25,254 bottles or 8.444kg.

    She gave a breakdown of the seizures to include Cannabis Sativa (Indian hemp), 8.4449kg, while psychotic substances had 49.4191kg and 2525.4 litres of codeine.

    Sani said a trailer load of 24,000 bottles of cough syrup with codeine coming from Onitsha and heading for Funtua was confiscated, adding that six suspects, including two drivers and two conductors were arrested.

    She said: “What is disturbing during this period is the involvement of students in the sale and use of cough syrups containing codeine.”

    The NDLEA boss said the command would sensitise the public on the danger associated with drug abuse and trafficking.

  • NDLEA uncovers drug warehouses in Edo

    The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said it has discovered two warehouses where 5,650kgs of dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) were stored.

    It said a 64-year-old grandfather, Daniel Idemudia, was arrested in connection with one of the warehouses.

    One of the warehouses, according to a statement signed by NDLEA spokesman Ofoyeju Mitchell contained 4,200kgs of cannabis sativa, while the other had 1,45kgs of the substance.

    The statement said the first warehouse is a residential house located behind a tipper garage in Egor Local Government, while the second warehouse is located at Ugwella-Gidi village in Ovia South West Local Government.

    It said: “The exhibits at Egor warehouse were hidden inside the ceiling of the bungalow. A 64-year-old grandfather, Daniel Idemudia, who lives at the warehouse, has been arrested.”

  • NDLEA raises alarm over use of under-aged children in hard drug peddling

     

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, has raised alarm over the use of under-aged street children in the sale of hard drugs in the state.

    Mrs Mutiat Okuwobi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, raised the alarm in an interview with the Newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

    Okuwobi said the trend had posed very serious danger to the state and called on parents not to allow their children turn into street urchins.

    “In some areas you will find that street children are used to perpetrate sales of hard drugs; most of these children are under-aged.

    “They don’t really start out by using the drugs but they help in selling it, especially marijuana or cannabis sativa. These children are supposed to be in school,” she said.

    Okuwobi also decried the high rate of use of drugs among adults and adolescents in the state.

    “The use of tramadol and cough syrup is trendy now; these are conventional drugs people use. It is mostly abused by youths. Some children also abuse these drugs.

    Read Also:   NDLEA arrests 324 in drug crackdown

    “Children that take these drugs must have probably collected them from older persons as they cannot on their own buy them,” he said.

    The PRO further said that few children had been arrested along with some youths abusing the conventional drugs in some bad joints.

    She also said there had been some reported cases of secondary school students in the state who indulge in hard drugs.

    “We have some secondary schools around our command office at Onireke where students are involved in hard drugs and the authorities do call us for intervention.

    “We have counseled some students and there is the need for continuous sensitisation among the students and that is what we do generally to stop the menace.” Okuwobi said.

    NAN