NDLEA Chairman Marwa Reveals Ways To Defeat Drug Cartels

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Buba Marwa, has revealed ways to defeat drug cartels in the country.

Marwa disclosed that the tracking and seizure of the assets of arrested members of drug cartels will go a long way in defeating drug trafficking in the country.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA boss made this known during a virtual meeting with heads of African drug law enforcement agencies.

Marwa stated that confiscation of assets would hinder the cartels’ operation and weaken criminal narcotic networks on the continent.

He, however, stated that Nigeria had remained dynamic in its counter-narcotics operation in line with the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Marwa said: “We must continue to weaken criminal drug networks through effective assets tracking and confiscation.

“We should, therefore, deepen international cooperation to address the increasing links between transnational organised crime, corruption, illicit financial flows, trafficking in drugs and related crimes.

“Let us not spare any effort in eliminating barriers to effective collaboration as we demonstrate commitment to our shared responsibilities.”

The NDLEA boss revealed that the agency, in the last eight months, has made more than 8,634 arrests with 1,630 convictions.

Marwa added that over two million kilogrammes of drugs have been seized with over N100 billion in cash and seized drugs

He added: “We are taking steps to tackle the online distribution of narcotic drugs, which has become prevalent among organised drug trafficking criminal groups, particularly since the global shut down in 2020.

“In the last eight months, Nigeria has made more than 8,634 arrests with 1,630 convictions. Over two million kilogrammes of drugs were seized with over N100 billion in cash and seized drugs.

“As part of our control programmes, the country recently inaugurated the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) to further amplify the national drive on both drug supply and drug demand reduction.

“As a result, we are collaborating with all levels of government, civil society groups, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), schools and relevant institutions.”