NDLEA arrests 33 illicit drug dealers in A’Ibom

Posted by admin Akwa Ibom, Headlines, NDLEA (Anti-Drug Agency), State News Monday, October 8th, 2012

The National Drug Law and Enforcement Agency, Akwa Ibom State Command, has arrested 33 persons for allegedly possessing illicit drugs.

The suspects comprise 29 men and four women. It was learnt that the suspects were arrested at different times in September by the agency’s operatives.

The state commander of the NDLEA, Mrs. Ruth Obi, who spoke with our correspondent in Uyo on Friday, said various drugs weighing 16.436km were seized during the period.

Of the number, she said hemp was 16.428km, cocaine 2.6gms, heroine 5.9gms and a mixture of alcohol and cannabis, nine litres, 30cl.

Obi said investigation had been completed and the suspects would soon be charged to court.

She attributed the success recorded to the commitment of the operatives.

According to her, the agency is still on the trail of barons, some of whom have been on the NDLEA’s wanted list.

Noting that the agency could not fight illicit drugs dealers alone, Obi urged the public to always divulge useful information that could assist the agency.

She warned that it was wrong for members of the public to protect drug dealers because of the effects of hard drugs on the society.

One of such effects, Obi noted, was that crimes thrived in areas where illicit drugs were sold.

She expressed concern over the increasing usage of physically-challenged persons and minors to peddle drugs.

Obi said, “It is really pathetic that it is the same kind of people that we keep on coming across that we apprehend as we raid the joints.

“They are the destitute and their excuse is always that they have nothing else to do. But we have to do our work. We have to arrest them.

“When we arrest minors, we hand them over to the social welfare. This is because the law recognises that a minor is not criminally liable, but old age is not a defence in law.”

-Punchwp_posts