Pubdate: Thu, 22 Sep 2005
Source: Daily Sun (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2005 The Sun Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.sunnewsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3940
Author: Ngozi Uwujare, Ibadan

NDLEA SWOOPS ON INDIAN HEMP FARMERS

Narcotic agents in Oyo State have descended on about 1000 hectares of
Indian hemp farm at Bode Ode village in Itesiwaju Local Government
Area of Oyo State.

The Oyo State Commander, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Dr
Oyelayo Oyebode, said: "We discovered the forest of Indian hemp in
July and we were able to arrest the suspects who claimed to be workers
at the farm."

According to Oyebode, another Indian hemp farm was found at old
National Park, Ikoyi-Ile, in the Orire Local Governmnet Area, where
three suspects were nabbed.

The owners of the farms were said to have fled, prompting officers to
launch a manhunt for them.

"We have already destroyed part of the farm land and we thank the park
rangers for their support," Oyebode said, adding that the arrested
suspects would be charged to court, after thorough
investigation.

He called on members of the public to join hands with narcotic agents
in order to stamp out drug addicts from the society.
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