Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade

NDLEA destroys 14 tonnes of illicit drugs in Abeokuta.

The Ogun Command of  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on Wednesday destroyed 14 tonnes of Cannabis Sativa, 557 pinches of cocaine, 101 pinches of heroin and 50 pinches of amphetamines.
The destruction of the drugs reports that the event was witnessed by the Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Ahmadu Giade.
Giade told newsmen later that the destruction of the exhibits was in furtherance of the agency’s desire to create the needed conducive environment that would guarantee safety of lives and property.
He said it was important that illicit drugs were traced and seized with drug dealers made to face justice.
Giade stated that the occasion was in fulfilment of the agency’s statutory responsibilities.
``According to the law, exhibit destruction is the last event in our drug control chain,'' he said.
The chairman said the threat of drug abuse was now creeping into the society, adding that similar actions were being carried out about the same time across the nation. 
He said, ``The NDLEA is chasing drug barons out of the illicit drug trade; the safety of our country tomorrow depends on our counter-narcotic measures today.
``We are working on strategies to arrest the development and prevent the situation from degenerating, it is expected that the regular attacks on illegal drugs will translate into a peaceful society. ``
Giade commended the officers of Ogun Command for their hard work, dedication and sacrifice, describing it as a strong signal that the days of drugs barons and their accomplices were numbered.
Also speaking, the Secretary to Ogun Government, Mr Adeolu Adeoluwa, who represented Gov. Ibikunle Amosun, said that the administration would give necessary support to the agency.
In his remarks, the state Commander of NDLEA, Mr Mohammed Mohammed, said that there was an alarming increase in the illicit cultivation of, and trading in Cannabis Sativa in the state.
He said that the most worrisome aspect was the active involvement of youths in drug cultivation, trading, distribution and usage.
``These days, even primary school compounds and pupils are used to peddle drugs; this is unfortunate development and should not be allowed to degenerate further, especially as the youths are future leaders.
``The last destruction exercise took place in March 2009, wherein more than three tonnes of drugs were destroyed.
 ``In our efforts to further tackle the menace, the command has in the last four months arrested 53 suspects with more than 2,000 kilogrammes of illicit drugs,'' he further said.