Kogi NDLEA arrests 102 suspects in 2011

THE National DrugLaw EnforcementAgency (NDLEA) in Kogi State has seized about 4,387kg of cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) in the state, while 102 suspects were also arrested in 2011 by the state command.The state Commander of the Agency in Kogi, Alhaji Idris Bello disclosed this at the command headquarters in Lokoja while parading two suspects and seizures made in December 2011, from across the state.Bello said that 13 vehicles of various brand were also impounded during raids and interceptions made in last year, adding that 25 out of the 102 suspects arrested were tried, convicted and sentenced by the court.He added that out of the 73 remaining suspects, those under prosecution were being tried in law the court, while others including 46 drug-dependent persons were counselling and released.The commander hinted that the command had just inaugurated a rehabilitation centre in Ajaokuta, Okene Area Command, to meet the constant demand by parents and relations of drug-dependent persons for their rehabilitation.The commander, however, expressed concern that Kogi State was gradually slipping from a drug-consuming state to a producing one, adding that the command seized and destroyed a total of 10,001kg between 2004 and 2010.He said that the volume of 10,001kg in six years compared with the 4,387.820 for 2011 alone showed unprecedented increase, adding that a 10-hectare plantation of the 'weed' was discovered and destroyed in October at Isanlu.He pointed out that some weeks ago, six bags of cannabis including a full bag of seeds weighing 83.3 kg was intercepted and the suspect, one Sardauna Idakwo confessed to have planted and harvested the hemp in Icheke near Abejukolo in Omala Local Government Area of ===============.Speaking with newsmen, the suspect said a friend introduced him to the business and it was his first time just as another suspect Olusola Ilori arrested with 14 bags of the substance, said he bought them from Akure at N9,000 per bag for sale at N12,000 each.The state commander, who was full of appreciation to security agencies and the National Youth Service Corps members (NYSC) in the state for their assistance by arresting the drug peddlers solicited logistic assistance from government to enable coverage of all routes.
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