The Nation Newspaper

Tag: NDLEA

  • NDLEA: women use cough syrup as alternative to alcohol’

    NDLEA: women use cough syrup as alternative to alcohol’

    The Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said more people were turning to cough syrup with codeine as an alternative to alcohol which was becoming more difficult to buy in the state.

    The commander Mr. Joseph Iweajunwa clarified that more women than men were getting high on cough syrup.

    He stated that because these people could not access alcohol freely, they look for other means to take their minds away from worry and keep themselves happy.

    It will be noted that Niger State had prohibited public sale of alcohol in the state, though it is being sold on the outskirts of the towns or military and paramilitary recreational centres.

    Iweajunwa said that some of the ladies caught by the agency said the cough syrup with codeine makes them feel good and enables them to sleep well while some said it takes their mind off worry and thinking.

    However, the NDLEA Commander observed that this substance is being taken due to idleness and joblessness urging them to engage in something meaningful and get busy.

    “These people especially the ladies are taking this syrup in place of alcohol and we have noticed that the absence of alcohol has caused the intake of cough syrup with codeine on the increase in the north, especially in states where alcohol is prohibited in public places.”

    Iweajunwa said that last year about 8,400 ml of cough syrup with codeine was mopped up in Niger State to prevent further abuse of the substance,0 adding that 1,614kg of various hard drugs were seized while 286 suspects were arrested with 66 convicted in the state.

    Giving a breakdown of the drug seizures in 2015, the Commander said 1,320 kg of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, 44.27kg of Diazepam Tablets, 161.21 kg of Tramadol Tablets, 32.37 kg of Extol-5, 3.038kg of Rohypnol, 14.66kg of Nitrazepam and 0.0014kg of Cocaine were seized.

    He also disclosed that 12,000 tonnes of seized drugs are ready for destruction stating that the command is waiting for the permission of the court to carry out the exercise.

    Appreciating the efforts of various stakeholders in assisting them make improvable record in the past year, the Commander called that all hands must be on deck as eradication of drug abuse is not only the responsibility of NDLEA and the government alone.

    He said that in 2016, the Command intends to strengthen its efforts in interdiction, prosecution, demand reduction especially public enlightenment and rehabilitation in order to bring down drug trafficking and abuse adding that the command’s effort last year is expected to impact positively on the drug problem leading to lower arrests and seizures in 2016 without reducing their dedication and devotion.

     

  • Ndlea arrests 18 suspects in Lagos drug raid, recovers 216.8kg of cannabis

    Ndlea arrests 18 suspects in Lagos drug raid, recovers 216.8kg of cannabis

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended eighteen suspected drug peddlers during a comprehensive raid operation in Lagos.

    Suspected dried weeds that tested positive for cannabis with a total weight of 216.8kgs were also seized during the assignment.

    Some of the places covered during the operation included Obalende, Alaba Rago, Lagos Island, Isheri Idimu and Bolade Market.

    NDLEA Lagos State commander, Aliyu Sule, who described the raid as successful said that three suspected drug dealers among those arrested shall be prosecuted, while others found to be users of drug are undergoing counselling.

    “The command has embarked on a routine raid across Lagos metropolis. Eighteen suspected drug peddlers were apprehended and cannabis weighing 216.8kg, including 119.3kg of abandoned cannabis at Lagos Island, was seized. Fifteen of the suspects found to be problem users had been placed on counselling while three suspected dealers are under investigation and will soon be charged to court”.

    Those under investigation are Iyanda Muri Amoo, 40, caught with 77kg at Gambari Street Lagos Island; Idris Dalhat, 55, arrested with 16.6kg at Alaba Rago and Ibrahim Daneyo, 32, found in possession of 3.9kg of cannabis behind Dodan Barracks Obalende, Lagos. The suspected dried weeds were weighed in the presence of arresting officers, the suspects and other witnesses.

    Ibrahim Danejo, who hails from Taraba State, said that he started the illicit trade some months ago because of joblessness.

    “It is not in my mind to sell hemp, but I am doing it to sustain myself pending when I will get a job. I used to buy hemp on Lagos Island and sell behind the barracks at the Obalende area. If I buy hemp worth N1,500, I can sell it for N3,000. Unfortunately for me, I was arrested with 3.9kg of hemp by NDLEA officers,” Ibrahim stated.

    The agency urged members of the public to provide information on the activities of drug peddlers in their neighborhood.

    It also assured of swift and professional response aimed at eradicating illicit drugs from our society.

  • Kaduna monarch suspended over possession of India hemp

    The Village Head of Goma, Gimi District, Sanga local Government area of Kaduna State, Ibrahim Danladi, has been suspended over alleged possession of Indian hemp.

    Kaduna State Government announced the immediate suspension of the traditional ruler who was arrested by officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    A statement issued by the Spokesman to Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, said the suspension followed the arrest of the traditional ruler for being in possession of 1.5kg of marijuana.

    “On January 20, 2016, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency arrested Ibrahim Danladi while he was in possession of 1.5kg of marijuana.

    “Danladi is the village head of Goma in the Gimi District of Sanga local government area of the state. He admitted to ownership of the illegal drug, and the NDLEA will be charging him as soon as it concludes investigations.

    “The NDLEA subsequently notified the Kaduna State Security Council of the arrest of the traditional ruler. While deliberating on the matter, the Council recommended his suspension from office pending the conclusion of investigations and possible trial. The government accepted the recommendation,” the statement added.

     

  • NDLEA nabs 286 suspects

    NDLEA nabs 286 suspects

    The Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 1,614.529kg of drugs between January 2015 and January 2016, the Commander, Mr. Joseph Iweanjuwa, has said.

    He said the agency arrested 286 suspects.

    Addressing reporters yesterday, Iweanjuwa said the command convicted 66 offenders.

    He said 87 youths were counselled and rehabilitated, while 8,400 ml of cough syrup with codeine were mopped up to prevent abuse.

    The commander added: “Last year, 1,320kg of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa were seized; 44.27kg of Diazepam tablets, 161.21kg of Tramadol tablets, 32.37kg of Extol-5, 3.038kg of Rohypnol, 14.66kg of Nitrazepam and 0.0014kg of Cocaine were also impounded.”

    Iweanjuwa said 12,000 tonnes of seized drugs were ready for destruction, noting that the command was awaiting the permission of the court to carry out the exercise.

    He decried the increase of young women’s involvement in the abuse of cough syrup with codeine, saying it had replaced alcohol.

    The NDLEA boss said the agency should recruit to boost its efficiency, stressing that people should assist it to reduce drug abuse.

  • Niger: NDLEA arrests 286 suspects, seizes hard drugs

    Niger: NDLEA arrests 286 suspects, seizes hard drugs

    A seizure of 1,614.529 kg of various hard drugs and arrest of 286 suspects was made by the Niger State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) between January 2015 and January 2016, the State Commander, Mr. Joseph Iweanjuwa has disclosed.

    Addressing newsmen in his office Wednesday, Iweanjuwa said the command convicted 66 offenders, 87 youths were counseled and rehabilitated while 8,400 ml of cough syrup with codeine was mopped up to prevent abuse.

    “A breakdown of the drug seizures in 2015 are; 1,320 kg of dried weeds suspected to be Cannabis Sativa, 44.27kg of Diazepam Tablets, 161.21 kg of Tramadol Tablets, 32.37 kg of Extol-5, 3.038kg of Rohypnol, 14.66kg of Nitrazepam and 0.0014kg of Cocaine”, the Commander said.

    Iweanjuwa also disclosed that 12,000 tonnes of seized drugs are ready for destruction stating that the command is waiting for the permission of the court to carry out the exercise.

    He lamented the increase of young women in the state who are involved in the abuse of cough syrup with codeine stating that this drug is gradually taking the place of alcohol in the state.

    The NDLEA Boss pointed out that the agency needs to recruit more hands to beef up its manpower stressing that all hands must be on deck to stop drug abuse in the nation as drug problem is not the responsibility and duty of government and NDLEA alone.

  • NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs disguised as condoms in Lagos port

    NDLEA uncovers illicit drugs disguised as condoms in Lagos port

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) yesterday  intercepted a shipment of 3,078.56kgs of Tramadol disguised as condoms at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

    The Tramadol, a prescription drug belonging to the class of opioid, which was said to have been unlawfully imported, was allegedly brought in by two pharmacists identified as Onuchukwu Owulu, 38, of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited, Lagos ,and  Igboanugo Tochukwu, 35, of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asaba.

    According to the spokesperson for the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the drugs were detected during physical examination at the port by NDLEA officials.

    Ofoyeju, who said abuse of Tramadol has been reported among youths across the country, stated that the drugs were imported without permits by the relevant authorities, an infraction of Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act.

    “It was also gathered that the drugs were imported for illicit distribution as they were disguised as cartons of condoms and other licit pharmaceutical products.

    “The discovery of the drugs was made during examination of the container prior to delivery at their preferred destination outside the port. In addition, the companies could not produce either import or clearance permit for the said drugs,” said Ofoyeju.

    Quoting the Director, Operations and General Investigation, NDLEA, Olugbenga Mabo, Ofoyeju said the prosecution of the suspects will address the lack of repect for due process by professionals.

    “We have observed an infringement of the law with adverse consequences on the nation. The drugs were imported without permit by the relevant authorities. Prosecuting the suspects will serve as a warning to others. The case has been assigned to the Joint Task Force of the Agency for investigation,” quoted Ofoyeju.

    The agency’s Commander at the port, Nse Inam said: “The shipment of controlled drugs originated from India. Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu imported 107 cartons of Tramanow, a brand of Tramadol weighing 1,078.56kgs, while Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu imported 250 cartons of Vingil Tramadol weighing 2,000kgs. Both suspects are being investigated.”

    In his statement, Owolu said he couldn’t get import permit as a result of the strike action embarked on by employees of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

    “I registered Benow Pharmaceuticals Impex Limited in 2009 and started business in 2010 as a qualified pharmacist. I began the process of importing this consignment in September 2015 and the goods arrived on  December 13.

    “My agent informed me of the challenge to obtain the permit to import and clear the Tramanow. The strike action by staff of the NAFDAC made it difficult for me to secure the necessary permit. I witnessed the search of the container in the presence of NDLEA officers and other security agencies at the port,” he stated.

    Igboanugo, according to the NDLEA,  also admitted he did not get the necessary permit before importation.

  • NDLEA uncover drugs shipped as Condoms in Lagos port

    NDLEA uncover drugs shipped as Condoms in Lagos port

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Friday intercepted a shipment of 3,078.56kgs of Tramadol disguised as condoms at the Tin Can Island Port in Lagos.

    The tramadol, a prescription drug belonging to the class of opioid, which was said to have been unlawfully imported, were allegedly brought in by two pharmacists identified as Onuchukwu Owulu, 38, of Benow Pharmaceutical Impex Limited, Lagos and  Igboanugo Tochukwu, 35, of Vingil Pharmaceuticals Limited, Asaba.

    According to the spokesperson for the agency, Mitchell Ofoyeju, the drugs were detected during physical examination at the port by NDLEA officials.

    Ofoyeju who said abuse of Tramadol has been reported among youths across the country, stated that the drugs were imported without permits by the relevant authorities, an infraction of Section 11 (a) of the NDLEA Act.

    “It was also gathered that the drugs were imported for illicit distribution as they were disguised as cartons of condoms and other licit pharmaceutical products.

    “The discovery of the drug was made during examination of the container prior to delivery at their preferred destination outside the port. In addition, the companies could not produce either import or clearance permit for the said drugs,” said Ofoyeju.

    Quoting the Director, Operations and General Investigation, NDLEA, Olugbenga Mabo, Ofoyeju said the prosecution of the suspects will address the lack of repect for due process by professionals.

    “We have observed an infringement of the law with adverse consequences on the nation. The drugs were imported without permit by the relevant authorities. Prosecuting the suspects will serve as a warning to others. The case has been assigned to the Joint Task Force of the Agency for investigation,” quoted Ofoyeju.

    The agency’s Commander at the port, Nse Inam: “The shipment of controlled drugs originated from India. Onuchukwu Benjamin Owulu imported 107 cartons of Tramanow, a brand of Tramadol weighing 1,078.56kgs, while Igboanugo Vincent Tochukwu imported 250 cartons of Vingil Tramadol weighing 2,000kgs. Both suspects are being investigated.”

    In his statement, Owolu said he couldn’t get import permit as a result of the strike action embarked on by employees of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
    “I registered Benow Pharmaceuticals Impex Limited in 2009 and started business in 2010 as a qualified pharmacist. I began the process of importing this consignment in September 2015 and the goods arrived on December, 13.

    “My agent informed me of the challenge to obtain permit to import and clear the Tramanow. The strike action by staff of NAFDAC made it difficult for me to secure the necessary permit. I witnessed the search of the container in the presence of NDLEA officers and other security agencies at the port,” he stated.

    Igboanugo, according to NDLEA,  also admitted he did not get the necessary permit before importation.

  • Fake NDLEA ‘narcotics superintendent’ jailed

    Fake NDLEA ‘narcotics superintendent’ jailed

    The Federal High Court in Lagos Thursday sentenced Okoro Anthony to four years imprisonment for falsely claiming to be a National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) official.

    The agency said he deceived unsuspecting public by claiming to be a Deputy Superintendent of Narcotics.‎

    Forged NDLEA letter headed papers, letter of employment and letter of compensation were found on him, the prosecution said.

    Justice B. Kuewumi sentences him after he pleaded guilty to the charge.

    The NDLEA prosecutor, Mr. Fingere Dinneys, said Anthony was arrest at Alaba Primary School, Alaba, Lagos.

    He was charged with “unlawful assumption of name, character and designation of an officer of the NDLEA.”

    The alleged offence, the agency said, contravenes Section 15 of the NDLEA Act of 2004.

    The prosecutor, while reviewing the facts of the case, tendered Anthony’s confessional statement and exhibits recovered from him.

    The judge said the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and handed him a four-year jail term.

  • Anambra: NDLEA raises alarm over influx of cocaine, heroin

    Anambra: NDLEA raises alarm over influx of cocaine, heroin

    The Anambra state commandant of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Sule Momodu, has raised the alarm over the influx of hard drugs like, cocaine and heroin in the state.

    He gave the hint Wednesday at the Prof. Dora Akunyili women development centre in Awka, during the third Lady Onyido/NDLEA annual quiz award presentation.

    Momodu, expressed worry that despite efforts by the state governor, Willie Obiano, to reduce drug crime in the state, the two substances had continued to be on the rise.

    He said while cocaine and heroin were on the increase cannabis sativa, known as “Ganja” had decreased.

    The NDLEA boss, however appealed to Obiano, to fulfill his promise of five vehicles he made to the agency, adding that the vehicles would enable his men to fully cover the state in their operations.

    Furthermore he said the agency secured 30 convictions of drug offenders in the state last year.

    While commending the assistance of the state governor in the drug fight, Momodu implored the governor to commence the project of building a modern rehabilitation centre in the state.

    He also commended Chief Alex Onyido for instituting and funding the quiz competition in the state secondary schools for three years.

    In his address, the State commissioner for Education, Prof Kate Omenugha, who represented Obiano, assured that the state government would do everything within the ambit of the law to reduce drug abuse in the state.

    She therefore, praised the NDLEA for the fight against drug offenders in the state.

    She said the quiz competition which centered on drug related subject matter would go a long way to dissuading the youths in the state in abusing drugs.

    Buberdorff Grammar School, Adazi Nnukwu , Anaocha Local Government Area of the state came first in the quiz competition, while Dennis Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha and Mater Amabilis  Secondary School , Umuoji came second and third.

  • Abdallah is new chair of NDLEA

    Abdallah is new chair of NDLEA

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the appointment of Mr. Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah as the chairman/chief executive officer of the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

    The appointment, which takes effect from January 11, is for a tenure of five years, according to a statement by the Director (Press) in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bolaji Adebiyi.

    Abdallah, a retired Lieutenant Colonel, has a Certificate of Education from Nigeria Defence Academy in 1977 and a Bachelor’s degree in American Politics and Government from Sam Houston State University, Huntville, Texas, USA in 1989.

    He also has an M. A. Public Administration, LLB and LLM degrees from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 2005 and 2011 and Bachelor of Law from the Nigeria Law School in 2006.

    The appointee is a professional security officer, whose public service career spanned over 30 years.

    Born on November 13, 1954, Abdallah is from Hong, Adamawa State.