Pubdate: Fri, 05 Mar 2004 Source: This Day (Nigeria) Copyright: 2004 This Day. Contact: http://www.thisdayonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2870 Author: Andrew Ahiante 2003: NDLEA INTERCEPTS 1.045M DRUGS Lagos 5,157 Suspects Held The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has said that 1.045 million drugs and other illict pharmaceutical products were seized across the country between January and December 2003, in order to ensure a drug-free nation. Deputy Director of the Agency who represented Chairman, Alhaji Bello Lafiaji yesterday at the public presentation of 2003 International Narcotics Control Board Report, also revealed that 5, 157 suspects were apprehended in the year under review. "I recall that at a similar occasion last year, I reaffirmed our commitment towards the achievement of more strides in the anti-narcotic crusade. I am happy to note that this pledge has not only been fulfilled but was appropriately acknowledged in the report being presented today. Thus, in 2003 we made a total seizure of 1044128.481kg, including 170.32983kg of cocaine 143.20585kg of heroin, 1,042,087.14kg of cannabis and 1727.805kg of psychotropic substances. During the same period we apprehended a total number of 5,157 drug suspects out of which we were able to successfully prosecute more than 90 percent", he emphasised. Other achievements that were made within the year under review, he further said, include establishment of the West African Joint Operations (WAJO) programme which, he noted, has succeeded in co-ordinating various multi-national anti-drug joint operations among several West African countries. He also said that a collaboration with the United Nations Office for Drugs Control and Crime Prevention (UNODCCP), has given birth to the Regional Academy in Jos which has successfully been transformed into an international training centre with full complements of facilities. Accordingly, he said, arrangement has been concluded for the first international training, stressing that participants would be drawn from other countries of the world. On his part, Paul Salay, UNODCCP Country Representative who stood in for the President of the International Narcotics Control Board, Philip O. Emafo, called for more government action as in special budgetary allocation, strengthening of concerned law enforcement agencies, among others. He equally called for concerted efforts among civil societies, emphasising that bold measures were needed to put the situation under control. "The Board believes that more needs to be done to prevent drug abusing population and people of risk. Governments and non-governmental organisations have roles to play in this regard. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin