Pubdate: Mon, 23 Jun 2008 Source: Daily Champion (Nigeria) Copyright: 2008 Daily Champion Contact: http://www.champion-newspapers.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3073 Author: Williams Attah, Gombe NDLEA DECRIES POOR WORKING FACILITIES IN GOMBE Despite lack of adequate working facilities in its command, the Gombe State command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), has recorded over 90 percent success in the rehabilitation of drug dependent persons in the state over the last two years. The state commander of the agency, Ishaku Iliya who made this known during a press briefing marking the 2008 United Nations International day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, therefore, renewed the appeal to the state government to establish a rehabilitation centre in the state. He said under his watch from April 2006, the command had seized 477.7 kg of Indian hemp as well as arrested 176 persons for unlawfully possession and use of banned drugs and substances. Among the number, 40 have been successfully tried and convicted to various jail terms, while some were jailed without the option of fine due to the enormity of their offence, adding that five are presently facing trial. He said 80 others with the exception of five cases of relapse, have been successfully rehabilitated and are now living their normal life. While acknowledging fears that the rehabilitated persons may be lured to drugs out of frustration due to joblessness and idleness, stressed the need for government to have an inbuilt skills acquisition centre and indoor sporting facilities in the rehabilitation centre it may wish to establish. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart