The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, says it is seeking outright jail terms for drug peddlers and users in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the agency, Brigadier-General Buba Marwa, said it will go a long way to curb the high prevalence of drug abuse in the country, which he said, has attained an alarming rate.
General Marwa said this on Thursday, at the weekly briefing, organized by the Presidential Communication Team at the Statehouse, Abuja.
He said the agency is working to ensure that the provision of, ‘Option of fine,’ in the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act 2004, is expunged from the act, in the (Amendment) Bill, 2021, currently before the National Assembly.
Nigeria currently has the highest drug prevalence in West Africa, with about 1-in-7 Nigerians engaging in the act, and between the ages of 15 to 64.
Also Read: Marwa calls for support as NDLEA declares war against drug trafficking
General Marwa, also disclosed that as of October 15, The agency had arrested 9,355 traffickers, including six drug barons.
He noted that over five thousand drug offence cases have been filed in court, with over 100 billion Naira worth of drugs and cash recovered.
General Marwa explained that more than 2.7 million kilograms of assorted illicit drugs were seized in 10 months, while 5,579 drug users were counselled and rehabilitated by the agency.
(Editor: Ifeanyi Mark)
