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.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart