‘Long arm of law caught up with them’

Ahmadu Giade NDLEA chairman

THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Wednesday said it has seized a total of 13,498 kilogrammes of illicit drugs, comprising cannabis sativa, also known as Indian hemp, in Edo State.

The State Commandant of the agency, Wakawa Buba, disclosed this where he also said that no fewer than 72 suspects had been arrested in connection with the exhibits.

The commandant, who explained that the suspects were arrested between September and November 17, 2015‎, also noted three motorcycles used to convey the narcotics from the hinterlands to the city and other states.

“The most popular drug of trafficking in this zone (South-South) is the cannabis sativa, which is locally called Igbo or Indian hemp. These drugs are planted very deep in the forest under rugged terrains, not accessible by road.”

“So when they harvest, they use these motorcycles to bring them out closer to where they can use the vehicles to load and transport. We have made reasonable seizures,” he added.

Thirteen of the suspects, who were paraded by the agency included a physically-challenged woman, Patience Onisuru, who was nabbed on November 14, with 10 bags of cannabis sativa ‎at Utese-Okada Road, in Ovia North-East Local Council of Edo State.

The 47-year-old mother of four said that the drugs were being conveyed to the South-East to be sold at N15, 000 per bag, before she was arrested by officers of the agency.

“I was introduced to this business when I did not have anything to do. The person said that he would buy one bag at N15, 000 each. I do not feel fine about my arrest. I beg for forgiveness. I will not try in again; this is my first time.”

Others suspects identified by the commandant include Victor Okon, Osaro Uwaifo, Igelenya Dennis, ‎Ehimare Ikhalea, Osagie Ibhawese and Anakarizu Henry.

Also paraded were Sunday Ineh, Frederick Nwose, Festus Ossai, Sunday Ohenhen and Obazu Ahigbe‎.

Buba also said that the agency’s operations would be improved with the launch of the four-year National Drug Control Master Plan, beginning in 2015.

He stated: “We want to sound a stern warning to those who are involved in these illicit activities that Edo State is a hostile environment for them. We are not going to tolerate anybody who is not law-abiding to bring the name of the state to disrepute.”

“We will ensure that we bring anybody involved in illicit drug to justice; the long arm of the law will definitely catch up with them.‎”