The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NDLEA

  • EU presents operational vehicles to NDLEA, NAFDAC

    The European Union has donated vehicles to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    The presentation was made at the United Nations House, Abuja, by the EU Deputy Head of Delegation, Mr. Richard Young.

    The support is part of an ongoing project, Response to Drugs and Related Organised Crime in Nigeria funded by the EU while the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) are the technical partners.

    The Toyota Hilux vehicles were distributed based on the outcome of an assessment carried out on the agencies.

    10 vehicles were given to NDLEA and one to NAFDAC.

    According to Mr. Young, the objective of the EU project is to support the country’s fight against narcotics.

    “This project is to support Nigerian Government in its efforts to fight illicit drug production, trafficking and use. It is also to curb related organized crime including counterfeit narcotics and psychotropic substances.”

    The NDLEA Chairman, Col. Muhammad Abdallah, thanked the EU, UNODC and other partners for the donation, which he said was one of several benefits of the project.

     

     

  • Kaduna: Police intercept 33 bags of Indian hemp 

    Kaduna: Police intercept 33 bags of Indian hemp 

    Kaduna State Police Command Monday intercepted 33 bags of Indian hemp and 34 baskets of hard drugs in Kaduna metropolis.

    This was also as National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Kaduna State office, arrested one Mr. Emeka Mbonu in Kaduna for production and sale of unregistered drug product.

    The fake pharmacist was arrested while trying to purchase pharma bottles used by pharmaceutical companies and realizing that he was not a pharmacist or owns a pharmaceutical outlet; NAFDAC was alerted by his would be seller.

    Briefing Journalists, the State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. Kenneth Azikiwe urged the general public to partner with the Agency in the reduction of unwholesome products from the state.

    Azikiwe said, they can do this by alerting the Agency of counterfeiter in their domain so that the health of the populace can be safeguarded.

    He added that on further interrogation, it was discovered that Mr. Mbonu has been on the run from the Agency, Kaduna State for the past six months on suspicion of the production and sale of unregistered Mist Potassium Citrate B.P.C in Kaduna Central Market where he used to have a shop.

    He said it was also discovered that the suspect  was still involved in the illegal manufacturing which led the NAFDAC officers to his residence in Mararaba Rido; outskirt of the state.

    “At his residence, he was found to be using one of his rooms for production and producing under unhygienic conditions. He informed the officers that he only produces on order and distributes to the rural areas because he was being haunted in the city by NAFDAC and people were not patronizing him.

    “The Mist Potassium Citrate B.P.C found in his residence had fake NAFDAC registration number, manufacturing and expiry dates including batch number. The manufacturing address reads Renge Production (Nig.) Ltd. 107 Ibrahim Shakaru Street, Tudun Wada, Kano State which is fake.

    “Mist Potassium Citrate B.P.C is used in the treatment of urinary tract infection and with the use antibiotics change the alkaline/acidity of the urine”. NAFDAC Officer said.

    He said that the culprit will be prosecuted in the law court to deter others from engaging in such activity.

    In a related development, Kaduna State Police Command intercepted 33 bags of Indian hemp and 34 baskets of hard drugs in Kaduna metropolis.

    The Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu who displayed the drugs said the Police arrested over 150 suspects who are presently being prosecuted in courts.

    The Police Commissioner added that, the Police also recovered 10 bags of Indian hemp in ‘Bacco Bags’, 10 cartoons of hard drugs and 17 jerrycans of liquid toxicant acid.

    The Commissioner of Police thanked Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai for steering the campaign against illicit drugs in the State.

    “As you can see we recorded this achievement in Kaduna town where we intercepted these drugs. We will continue to do our best in containing this menace in view of the negative consequences of drugs in the society.

    “Hard drugs are a strong motivation to crime, rape and other vices and we will continue to do our best without a break.

    “As you know, the government of Kaduna state under the leadership of Governor El-Rufai has been supportive and we are grateful.”

    He said that the Command will hand over the intercepted drugs to National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

     

  • Woman vomits cocaine at Abuja airport

    A 48- year-old mother of three children, Mrs. Saidat Bola Hassan, has been arrested by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, after she allegedly vomited 15 wraps of white powdery substances that tested positive for cocaine.

    The incident occurred during screening of passengers on an Egypt Airline flight to Jedda, Saudi Arabia, en-route Cairo.

    After she vomited the substances, the woman was apprehended by NDLEA officials who discovered that she had ingested 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 904 grammes.

    The NDLEA commander at the airport, Mr. Hamisu Lawan, said efforts were made to protect her from any harm arising from drug ingestion.

    “As soon as we discovered that the suspected wraps she vomited tested positive for cocaine, we took measures to ensure her safety by preventing any harm that may result from drug ingestion. While under observation, she excreted 65 similar wraps. In all, she ingested 80 wraps of cocaine weighing 904 grammes.  Her case is under investigation,” Hamisu stated.

     

  • Woman jailed for 24 months for selling hemp

    A Federal High Court in Lagos on Thursday sentenced a 35-year old woman, Iyabo Olabimpe, to 24 months imprisonment over drug trafficking.

    The convict was arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on a one-count charge bordering on the offense.

    She pleaded guilty to the charge.

    Following her plea, the prosecutor, Mr. Jeremiah Aernan, tendered the statement of the accused, a request for scientific aid form and the bulk of exhibit as evidence before the court.

    He urged the court to sentence the accused based on the evidence adduced by prosecution.

    Delivering the judgment, Justice Rabiu Shagari found the accused guilty as charged.

    She sentenced her to 24 months imprisonment, which she said would start running from the date of her arrest.

    The judge also ordered the exhibit to be destroyed by the NDLEA.

    The prosecutor had told the court that the convict was arrested on Sept. 11, 2015 at Soj St., in Ayiata near Ikorodu, Lagos.

    He said that she was found in possession of 700g of Cannabis Sativa a.k.a. Indian hemp, which she sold to people.

    Aernan said the offense contravened the provisions of sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation 2004.

  • Again, court stops AGF, others from arresting Kashamu

    Again, court stops AGF, others from arresting Kashamu

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday restrained the Attorney general of the Federation (AGF), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its immediate past Chairman, Ahmadu Giade from taking steps to arrest, detain or abduct Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    Justice Gabriel Kolawole gave the order while ruling on an ex-parte motion filed in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015 by Kashamu.

    The judge granted similar order on Monday, which he said would elapse on Wednesday upon his ruling, extending the order till the determination of a motion on notice filed by Kashamu seeking the committal of the AGF, NDLEA and Giade to prison for allegedly disobeying the court’s earlier order on the matter.

    Justice Kolawole had last year dismissed an extradition proceedings initiated against Kashamu by the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation (AGF, Mohammed Adoke (SAN), for lack of merit.

    The Senator in his fresh application alleged that the respondents having failed to obtain the consent of any court to extradite him have now resorted to “subterranean and perhaps invidious steps to circumvent the judicial process and extradite him to United States to face trial for drug trafficking.

    The judge, who expressed dismay at the allegation said, he hopes it was not true because such development was capable of casting the country in bad light.

    He, however, expressed confidence in the capacity of the current AGF, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to prevent such incident from happening under his watch.

    Justice kolawole said:  “Let me confess that when I read through the applicant’s depositions, my sincere hope and prayer is that the allegations are not true. Otherwise, the facts are so sordid that it would expose the Nigerian state, perhaps as a banana republic, where just anything goes.

    “I am conscious of the fact that, at this stage of the proceedings, I am only exposed to the applicant’s account of issues and developments, which had necessitated his second recourse to this court to seek protection. I hope and pray once again, that the facts alleged in the applicant’s affidavit and the contents of the documentary exhibits annexed, are proved to be untrue by the respondents.”

  • NDLEA boss promises tough times for drug barons

    NDLEA boss promises tough times for drug barons

    The Chairman and Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Col. Mohammad Mustapha Abdallah (rtd.) has promised to intensify the war against drug barons in the country.

    Abdallah who had been busy with budget defense for the Agency in Abuja has reported at the national headquarters of the NDLEA in Lagos with the inspection of infrastructures to determine areas of critical attention.

    The NDLEA boss who vowed to incapacitate drug trafficking organizations assured staff of improved working conditions.

    According to Abdallah, “drug barons must be immobilized. Drug trafficking is a serious transnational organized crime capable of undermining national security and development.

    “The Agency shall adopt new strategies in preventing illicit drug production, trafficking and abuse.

    “The image of our country must be protected from the inimical activities of drug cartels. Staff welfare shall be improved and adequate logistic support provided for drug control operations. While acts of compromise shall not be condoned, measures will also be put in place to make corruption unattractive.”

    The NDLEA Chairman who was accompanied by the Director General, Mrs. Roli Bode-George, Directors and principal officers at the headquarters minced no words on his determination to rejuvenate the Agency for optimum performance.

    “I have taken time to study about the Agency and I appreciate the challenges of inadequate funding. Drug control is one of the priority concerns of Mr. President and I hope to leverage on this robust political will in dismantling drug trafficking organizations. The Agency will maximize the benefits of intelligence-led policing in prosecuting the drug war.”

    While assuring officers of better days ahead, the NDLEA boss however charged officers to be dedicated to their duty.

    “I want you to expect better days ahead in terms of improved working conditions. However, you must remain dedicated to duty. Your loyalty and commitment must first be to our country.

    “Understand that your assignment is important to the peace, safety and development of our country. Any act of indiscipline shall be treated in accordance with the rules of engagement,” he stated.

  • Court restrains AGF, NDLEA from arresting Kashamu

    Court restrains AGF, NDLEA from arresting Kashamu

    A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday restrained the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and its ex-Chairman, Ahmadu Giade, from arresting or detaining Senator Buruji Kashamu.

    The order granted by Justice Gabriel Kolawole after listening to Kashamu’s lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, moved an ex-parte filed in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/479/2015.

    Justice Kolawole said the order will subsist until February 10 when he will give a considered ruling on the matter.

    Kashamu, former Director of Mobilisation, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is now representing Ogun East Senatorial District at the Senate.

    Giade, who was a former NDLEA Chairman, is now Special Adviser to the AGF on narcotics.

    Kashamu, in the motion ex-parted, is seeking three prayers, which include an order of interim injunction, restraining the three (listed as alleged contemnors in the motion) from arresting, detaining or applying for a warrant for his arrest in relation to his alleged involvement in drug trade, pending the determination of the contempt proceedings he initiated against them.

    The motion was  brought pursuant to Order 35 Rule 2(1) and 26 of the Federal High Court (Civil Procedure) Rules (2009) and Section (6)(6) of the Constitution.

     

  • NDLEA raids drug addicts’ den in Kaduna

    NDLEA raids drug addicts’ den in Kaduna

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kaduna State has raided a drug addicts’ den, called ‘The Black Street’, in Sabo, Kaduna.

    It arrested 25 suspects with cocaine and other drugs.

    Some of them, paraded yesterday, confessed to the crime.

    The Commander, Samuel Azige, said during the raid, cracked and powdered cocaine were recovered.

    He said the suspects would be arraigned after investigation.

    The drugs, including Cocaine, Indian hemp, Codeine, Tramol, among others, were displayed.

    The agency said it is looking for another drug baron, whose car, loaded with drugs, was confiscated.

    One of the suspects, Barret Salihu, 22, said: “I don’t know why they arrested me. I don’t sell wee-wee. I only smoke wee-wee.”

    Asked why he smoked wee-wee (Indian hemp), Salihu said: “When I take it, I feel okay. But now, I’ve not taken it and I’m not feeling okay.”

  • NDLEA raids drug addicts’ den in Kaduna

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has raided a popular drug addicts’ den, called “the Black Street” in Sabo area of Kaduna, arresting  25 suspected drug addicts and traffickers with cocaine and other unlawful drugs.

    Some of the suspects paraded at the Kaduna office of the agency on Thursday confessed to the crime.

    The NDLEA Commander, Samuel Azige, said during the raid, both cracked and powdered cocaine were recovered from the suspects.

    Azige said preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects wrapped the powdered cocaine and sell, while they inhale the cracked ones.

    He said, “In fact, we have identified the owner of the houses the suspects use and he told us that he had made efforts to secure his property from the addicts. When he bought blocks to fence the house, the boys packed the blocks and sold them.

    “There is another house where they have completely sent the owner away. He was forced to relocate to another place because of their threat.

    “In fact, people have put their houses for sale around the area due to insecurity caused by these people.”

     

     

  • Two arraigned for alleged drug trafficking

    Two persons were on Wednesday arraigned before Justice Taiwo Taiwo of a Federal High Court, Ado Ekiti, for alleged drug trafficking.

    The accused persons – Babalola Alawe and Abiodun Ogedengbe were docked on a two- count charge by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for allegedly possessing 17kg of Cannabis Sativa.

    Counsel to the NDLEA, C.O. Ogwuja said Alawe committed the alleged offence on December 2 last year along Ilemeso oke-Isan in Ekiti, adding that he had 6.8kg cannabis in his possession.

    Ogwuja said Ogedengbe was caught on November 29, at Ise-Ekiti with 10.2kg of the narcotic substance.

    According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravened and was punishable under Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

    The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail in N1million with two sureties in like sum by Justice Taiwo.