Between January 2023 and March 2024, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted and confiscated 207,976 kilograms of illicit drugs across various seaports in the country. This was revealed by the NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Mr. Femi Babafemi.
Mr. Babafemi detailed that in the first quarter of 2024 alone, 14 suspects were apprehended with 16.69 kilograms of cocaine and 11,622.229 kilograms of cannabis sativa. Additionally, from January to October 2023, 167 individuals were arrested with a total of 196,336.99 kilograms of various drugs.
The NDLEA spokesperson emphasized that the agency does not assign a monetary value to the confiscated drugs to avoid inadvertently promoting drug trafficking. “We refrain from valuing the seizures to prevent glorifying criminal activities or encouraging others to engage in such illegal pursuits,” Babafemi explained.
In response to these developments, Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises, advocated for harsher penalties for drug offenders. He expressed concern over the increasing desperation of individuals to profit from drug trafficking, noting their growing boldness.
Dr. Yusuf suggested that implementing more stringent sanctions could deter these activities. “I am unsure of the current penalties, but tougher sanctions could discourage the desperation and audacity of those willing to risk such crimes. More arrests and strict punishments would signal to the global community that drug trafficking is not tolerated here,” he stated.
Victoria Ibiama
