By Ifeanyi Okolie and Nnenna Ezeah

Over 4,688.48kg of narcotic drugs seized by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, at various locations of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA) Commands were publicly destroyed early morning Tuesday.

The Chairman of the anti-drug Agency, Ahmadu Giade and the Honorable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Senator Bala Mohammed, who led other local and international stakeholders in setting the forfeited drugs worth over N350 million ablaze in line with a Federal High Court order, vowed to take the fight against drug trafficking to every nook and cranny of the country.

According to the NDLEA Chairman, “the destruction exercise is timely as it will translate into a drug free society in the FCT and other parts of the country. “The destruction exercise is in obedience and compliance with a court order. Very shortly, a total of 4,723.617kgof narcotics shall be reduced to ashes. This is timely as we approach the end of year season. The breakdown shows that cannabis is the largest with 4,558.381kg; cocaine and heroin are next with 129.602kg and psychotropic substances 495grammes” Giade stated.

FCT Minister in his remarks stated that the government’s desire is not only to build infrastructures in the FCT but to protect lives and property through effective drug control. “The priority of the FCT administration is not only to provide infrastructure and make the city one of the best in the world but we are also concerned about the protection of lives and property of all residents. We shall continue to support the NDLEA and assist in effective drug control. I call on others to contribute their quota because it is a collective responsibility” Bala urged.

Giade in his keynote address said the Agency derives inspiration from outstanding international achievements. In his words, “the removal of Nigeria in 2010 from the drug Majors List by the United States government after 17 years is a great motivation to us. Drug barons work against the interest of the State.

“They are always looking for opportunities to exploit. We are therefore determined to frustrate all their criminal plans. We would not relent until illicit drugs are eradicated from our society. The Agency will continue to increase its intelligence management capacity. As we celebrate the past achievements, we would expand our scope in the days ahead” Giade promised.

He pointed out that the Agency’s mission is to overrun and decimate drug trafficking cartels. “We suppress criminal activities through regular drug seizures, arrests and prosecution. Our mission is to overrun and decimate drug trafficking cartels. We celebrate these seizures because the possible consequences on health, economy, security and culture if the drugs are left in circulation had been averted.

Apart from the huge monetary loss to drug trafficking cartels, it has also translated into protection of FCT residents and the larger society,” Giade stated.

While warning drug barons to be prepared for fierce offensive in the days ahead, the NDLEA boss also appealed to members of the public not to abdicate their drug control responsibilities. “No effort shall be spared by the Agency in bringing drug dealers to justice. Neither the barons nor their accomplices shall be spared. Consistent with our practice, more drug barons shall be exposed, prosecuted and dispossessed of all ill-gotten wealth.

While we rely on our intelligence gathering network, your assistance will be highly cherished. If you observe or suspect illicit drug activities in your neighborhood, report to us immediately. It is part of your civic responsibility. We shall treat such information confidentially, professionally and act immediately to protect lives and property.”

Giade thanked the President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan for his political will to eradicate illicit drugs in our society. The Agency also expressed appreciation for the support given to it by the FCT Authority and other stakeholders.