Drug Abuse: NDLEA launches drug control masterplan to mark International Day
By Victor Emeruwa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a Masterplan containing strategies of offensive actions against the rising rate of drug abuse in the country.
Tagged: “War Against Drug Abuse and National Drug Control Masterplan: 2021-2025,” it contains series of strategies to curb the abuse and trafficking of illicit drugs in Nigeria.
The document was launched at the weekend to mark the 2021 United Nations International Day against Drug Abuse. In an event marking the day, Chairman of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (rtd) disclosed facts and data on the agency’s renewed efforts to curb trafficking and use of illicit drugs in the country.
According to the Chairman, the agency has in the last five months arrested over 2180 drug traffickers including five of the most wanted drug barons in the country who have been on the agency’s watch list.
The agency under the dynamic leadership of Marwa has also intercepted and seized about 2.05 million kilograms of drugs while 2,100 offenders have been prosecuted with 500 jailed by competent courts of jurisdiction. Also an estimated 90 billion naira in cash and valuables have been seized from drug traffickers.
The theme for this year’s celebration ” Share fact and Save lives” recognises information and data an invaluable component of the war against illicit drug use and trafficking.
Marwa said: “The enormity of the danger of drug abuse calls for an urgent need to nip the problem in the bud. This is the reason we have redoubled our efforts in the past five months with the maxim of offensive action.”
