The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has said it arrested 4,769 drug offenders and seized narcotics weighing 189360.946 kg between May 2007 and March this year.

According to a document obtained from the agency, by our correspondent, the NDLEA said that out of the number of drugs seized, cannabis, otherwise known as Indian hemp, recorded the highest quantity of 184,216.054 kg. This figure represented 99.79 per cent of all the total drugs seized within the period under review, followed by psychotropic substances, with 178.464kg. The amount of cocaine seized was put at 246.124kgs while heroine seizure was said to be at 129.768kg.

It also stated that 236 acres of cannabis farmland were destroyed by the agency. Also, within the period the agency investigated 28 drug-related money laundering cases, which it said were now at various stages of prosecution. The agency also said that it had seized assets worth over N1.5 billion, consisting of cash in bank accounts, stocks, vehicles and landed properties.

The agency said, “It is pertinent to highlight the fact that in one of the cases, stocks worth over N221.5 milion were seized. This is excluding vehicles, landed properties and money in bank accounts. Legal processes are already at advanced stages to secure the forfeiture of these assets. It is hoped that this policy of asset seizure and forfeiture will ultimately serve as deterrent to convicts and prospective illicit drug dealers.” The agency also said it had destroyed 254 metric tonnes of drugs.

In addition, the agency said that it had successfully prosecuted 830 drug cases from May 2007 and March this year, adding that it received a total of 1,843 cases of people with drug problems. Out of this number, it said that nine cases were referred, 93 cases were categorised as ongoing and 1741 persons were successfully counselled.