By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Kogi State Commander National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, (NDLEA), Alfred Adewumi said in Lokoja that the state command has seized 56,223.824kg of cannabis sativa known as indian hemp between 2020- September 2021.
Adewumi disclosed this on Thursday at the launching of War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), and decoration of the 18 newly promoted officers of NDLEA in Kogi State.
Adewumi noted that the figure of the seizure excludes cannabis sativa and other illicit drug mop ups through the agency inland and it’s patrol operation.
He attributed the increase in the crime to states that shares borders with Kogi like, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Delta which are known to be heavy Cannabis Sativa cultivating domains predisposes it to Cannabis Sativa trafficking and abuse.
“The combination of the unlawful but thriving drug business at the Ogbogwu Market in Onitsha, with the possible existence of Clandestine Laboratories for the — production Of Methamphetamine in both Anambra and Delta states which are neighbouring states to Kogi as well as the proximity and easy access it provides to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja further make Kogi State high risk for illicit drug business.”
“The discovery of over 26 hectares of Cannabis Sativa plantations in the eastern part of the state in the year 2020 and another twenty acres in the year 202l in the same axis are indicative of domestic cultivation of drugs.”
On the launching of War Against Drug Abuse, (WADA), Adewumi explained that it is a call for civil action for all Nigerians to take active part in combating drug abuse and its circulation in the country.
He recalled that On 26″ June, 2021, President Mohamadu Buhari , launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) which by the directive of Brig. General Mohammed Buba Marwa, Rtd) Chairman and Chief Executive of NDLEA OFR directed that it should be replicated in states and to consequently devolve to the local ‘ government and eventually to the family as a unit.
On the newly decorated officers, the Commander noted that the NDLEA in Kogi has broken 17 years record of seizures, and quality arrest adding that the newly promoted and decorated officers have distinguished themselves and merited the promotion.
In his goodwill message, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police Idrisu Dauda admonished the newly decorated officers to increase on their performances.
He explained that NDLEA is a silence achievers stressing that the present problem of insecurity in the country could be traced to illicit drugs in the society, stressing that, the command is fully ready to collaborate with all stakeholders to combat crimes and criminality in Kogi state.
The State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omodara Rtd. commended the NDLEA for synegizing with security agencies in the fight against illicit drugs in Kogi State.
