NDLEA Arrests 116 Drug Suspects In Oyo

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Oyo State Command, on Sunday said 116 suspects were arrested with 5, 697.9 kg of illegal drugs between January and November, this year.

The State NDLEA Commander, Mr Suleiman Jadi, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that the suspects were being prosecuted.

Jadi said the drugs seized comprised mainly cannabis sativa and cocaine, which constituted a minute fraction.

“We were able to convict 59 persons ranging from three months to two years jail terms. Out of the 59, three were females.

“We also counselled 32 of them that were addicts, of which three have been fully rehabilitated and reunited with their families,’’ Jadi said.

He added that two vehicles impounded within the period had been forfeited to the Federal Government.

Jadi said street drug peddlers, otherwise referred to as pocket dealers, had been most difficult to apprehend because of their craftiness in escaping arrests.

He said the peddlers often stock their wares in their pockets of   “combatant shorts.’’

According to him, the peddlers always take to their heels when they site law enforcement agents.

The NDLEA commander urged the public to assist the agency with information that could lead to the arrests of illegal drug agents. He also commended the state government for its efforts to rid the state of drug business.

“The recent demolition of illegal market shanties across the metropolis, even in motor-parks, by the Oyo state government is highly welcome.

“It has helped drastically to reduce crime rate. Drug users and other criminals are just like lice that get attracted to unkempt hair.

“By removing these structures, which serve as hideout attractions, we have noticed that the criminal network of peddlers had also been stemmed and disappearing accordingly,’’ NAN quotes him as saying.

Jadi thanked the state government for assisting the command through provision of logistics.