Pubdate: Wed, 13 Aug 2003
Source: Daily Trust (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2003 Daily Trust.
Contact:  http://www.mtrustonline.com/dailytrust/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2923

NDLEA SEIZES 40 MILLION GRAMMES OF COCAINE, HEROINE

The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized more than 40 
million grammes of cannabis, cocaine and heroine in the last one year, its 
chairman, Alhaji Bello Lafiagi, said in Abuja.

Lafiagi said that a reasonable number of drug barons have traffickers were 
also arrested during the period.

He said out of those arrested, three barons had been successfully 
prosecuted and jailed, while three others are still being prosecuted.

"Many more will be prosecuted as soon as investigations into their cases 
are concluded," Lafiagi said.

He said the agency is working through diplomatic channels to repatriate 
some Nigerians arrested for drug offences in other countries.

"We have repatriated some drug barons and traffickers arrested in Nigeria 
to their respective countries, including the U.S. for trial," he said.

The NDLEA boss also said those to be returned to the country will serve 
another jail term upon their arrival in consonance with the laws of the land.

"The law provides that Nigerians convicted for drug offences in another 
country must serve another five years when repatriated to Nigeria", Lafiagi 
said.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart