Sustaining NDLEA’s Drug War In Delta

The public execution of the trio  Benard Ogedegbe, Bartholomew Owoh and Akanni Ojuolape  in 1984, somehow raised the awareness of Nigerians on hard drugs such as cocaine and heroin.

Before then, the smoking of Indian hemp or cannabis had been in vogue among deviant youths in the country.

Although the public executions went against popular sentiments, the then Federal Military Government, nonetheless, used them to underscore its resolve to stem the rising menace of hard drugs in the country.

Most analysts and medical personnel say that hard drugs have negative consequences on consumers’ heath, as they also create social problems for the youths. Added to these, they add, hard drugs create image problems for the user-countries.

Though illicit hard drugs’ trade seems lucrative for their barons, members of the larger society frown at their activities as they negated society’s wellbeing.

“Regrettably, however, more and more people in the country are getting involved in the illicit trade, as well as the use of hard drugs,” says Mr Ameh Inalegwu, Head of Operations, Delta Command of the NDLEA  the Anglican Bishop of Warri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Justin Mogekwu further blames the increased illicit trade in hard drugs on greed, likening it to armed robbery, murder and rape.

“Because the traffickers make very easy money, many others join their ranks; willing to take the risks, against the backdrop that there are no adequate jobs in the country.

“Some others use hard drugs out of frustration, thinking that the society had forgotten them; but these do not justify the evils of the illicit drugs use and trade,” he insists.

Realising the danger inherent in hard drugs, however, the Federal Government in 1989 established the NDLEA, to tackle the illicit trade and use of all hard drugs and psychotropic substances.

By its enabling act, the NDLEA, among others, co-ordinates all preventive and repressive actions on illicit drug business and addiction, as well as conduct investigations and evolve control techniques.

In Delta, however, the NDLEA seems to be living up to its mandate to stem the use of hard drugs in the state through some pro-active and re-active measures.

Inalegwu says it is difficult to say whether illicit drug activities in the state had declined or not, as more arrests are being made from time to time.

“More and more people were getting involved; they seem not to be deterred because of the underlying factor of quick wealth.

“The commonest causes adduced for this ugly trend are — general hardships, unemployment and poverty,” he expatiates.

Giving further details of the command’s operation in 2010, Inalegwu disclosed that about 93 suspects were arrested with about 10,097 kg of suspected cannabis, while another 30 tonnes of same substances were destroyed at Abbi in Ndokwa East Local Government Area of the state.

Last year, however, there was a rise as 182 suspects were arrested, while a seizure of 26,823 kg of substances suspected to be cannabis was made.

Other seizures in 2010 included 83 grammes of substances suspected to be cocaine and 29 grammes of another suspected to be heroin while In 2011, the recorded seizures were 17 grammes and 57 pinches of suspected cocaine as well 30 grammes and two pinches of suspected heroin.

By official accounts, 25 suspects were convicted in 2010 and 29 others in 2011 in Delta, for illicit drugs trade.

Inaleguwu insists that an effective way to reduce illicit drug activities in the state is to gainfully engage the youths, who formed the target group of drug barons, for cultivation and consumption.

Bishop Mogekwu, agrees with such viewpoint but blames government for the indirect encouragement of illicit drugs trade, since youths are not being adequately catered for in the society of the day.

“The way forward in eradicating illicit drug trafficking is for the leaders to show integrity, forthrightness and worthy example to the youths.”

He advises that the “moral fiber of contentment” should be shown; sincerity and hard work respected, while money should not be worshipped in the country.

The cleric pointedly accuses some of the country’s rich men of being the sponsors of most drug traffickers.

He, however, praises the NDLEA in Delta for a good job being done, emphasising that they cannot go beyond their mandate.

Mogekwu said that the church will be willing to set up rehabilitation centres to offer help to delinquents, provided that help came from the government.

Expressing his viewpoint, the Paramount Ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom, Charles Ayemi-Botu, said that “quick financial benefits” were at the bottom of the illicit drug trade, adding that government should consider severer sanctions for offenders.

Ayemi-Botu, lamented that illicit drugs encouraged youths to go into crime, as they make them unusually bold to engage in criminal activities.

Perceptive Nigerians, nonetheless, think that the challenge to combat illicit drug trade and use is too daunting to be left alone to the NDLEA. They urge well-meaning citizens and voluntary organisation to be involved.

Interestingly, June 26 of every year is celebrated as World Drugs Day, during which focus is beamed on the dangers of drug abuse.

With the citizens and law enforcement agencies playing their parts well, it is hoped that very soon, the scourge of illicit drugs in Nigeria will be reduced to the barest minimum.

Deborah Omo-Ojomo