Marwa says NDLEA arrested 18,500 drug traffickers, convicted 3,250 in one year

The Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (retd), has extolled the U.S government for donating a central exhibit office, which he said would facilitate the anti-narcotic body’s efforts in checking drug-related cases.

Marwa, who stated this at the commissioning of the office in Lagos yesterday said the continued collaboration with the U.S had been infinite, bolstered and enhanced NDLEA’s operational capabilities.

The facility was handed over to the NDLEA boss by the US Consulate General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, supported by other senior US officials.

Marwa recounted the successes of the NDLEA last year, noting they seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs, arrested over 18,500 drug trafficking offenders, got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed.

He said: “Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge one of such gestures, namely the donation of the office for our central exhibit custodians. This donation acknowledges the critical need for efficient and secure handling of evidence, which is essential for the successful prosecution of drug-related cases.

“This contribution will not only strengthen our operational framework but also set a new standard for accountability and transparency in drug law enforcement. It is an investment in the security and the future of our nations.

“We recognise that the war against drug trafficking and abuse is far from over. As an organisation, we are committed to surmounting the challenges.

“So far, the results have been justifying. In 2024, we seized over 2.6 million kilograms of illicit drugs. Across the country, we arrested more than 18,500 drug trafficking offenders.

“Got over 3,250 convicted, including 10 drug barons, with more than 220 hectares of cannabis farms destroyed, while in the same breath we counselled and rehabilitated over 8,200, with more than 3,000 sensitisation and advocacy programmes organized across the country in schools, markets, motor parks, worship centres, work places and communities, among others, thus creating an equipoise between our drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

He called for continuous support and more collaboration from the U.S government and other partners.

READ ALSO: Marwa advocates stiffer penalties for drug offenders to deter foreigners

He admitted that the challenges of illicit drugs were dynamic and multifaceted, and as such required continuous partnership and innovation.

In her remarks, the US acting Consul General, Ms. Jo Ellen Georg, said the cornerstone of the relationship between Nigeria and U.S was premised on the vibrancy of democracy.

She said: “It’s a principle deeply embraced by both of our nations. And one of our leaders who helped nurture this deep and enduring partnership between our two countries was former President Jimmy Carter, who, as noted, passed away on December 29th at age 100.

“President Carter was an extraordinary leader, and he dedicated his years in and out of office promoting peace, democracy, health, and human rights. And today, as is customary in the United States, his body is being drawn on a horse carriage to the U.S. Capitol to lie in state so that we can all respect the legacy that he has left for us. And President Carter was actually the first U.S. President to make a state visit to Nigeria.

“The efforts to fight drug trafficking in Nigeria and across West Africa region have successes because we share the same objective of countering crime, illegal drugs, and instability.

“Today, as part of our enduring partnership, the U.S. government, through the U.S. Africa Command, AFRICOM, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA, is honoured to hand over a dedicated office space for the NDLEA.

’This dedicated facility will provide NDLEA officers with a safe and secure office space to conduct investigations, to process arrestees, and to conduct post-arrest interviews.’’

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now