Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), defended the agency’s strategy to target the assets of drug barons and traffickers as part of its ongoing efforts against illicit drugs and cartels.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, to inaugurate weeklong celebrations for the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, Marwa explained the rationale behind this intensified approach. He emphasized that since the launch of the offensive against drug cartels and traffickers in January 2021, there have been significant arrests and prosecutions of several kingpins.
As you are all aware, two serial traffickers were sentenced to life imprisonment in April, reflecting our ongoing success in prosecuting cases with meticulous investigations and diligent legal proceedings. Our rigorous preparation of watertight cases remains unchallengeable, bolstered by the enactment of the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).
“In addition to securing convictions, the assets used in the commission of crimes or derived from criminal activities will be forfeited to the federal government. Under civil forfeiture proceedings, assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime can be subject to action, placing the burden of proving lawful ownership on the defendant.”
This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate”, the NDLEA boss, represented by the Agency Secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna stated.
Speaking on the NDLEA’s efforts in drug demand reduction, Marwa highlighted the success of the agency’s flagship program, War Against Drug Abuse (WADA). WADA adopts a comprehensive societal approach to prevent drug abuse, serving as a powerful advocacy tool for social action and public engagement against illicit trafficking and substance abuse. This approach aligns with the theme for the 2024 World Drug Day (WDD).
Marwa emphasized the significance of WDD, observed annually on June 26, as a pivotal moment to shape global efforts against illicit drugs for the next year. This year’s theme, “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention,” underscores the critical importance of preventing individuals from experimenting with illicit drugs and subsequently becoming dependent on them.
He stressed, “Prevention is a cornerstone of our efforts to combat drug abuse in society. At NDLEA, prevention through our WADA social advocacy program remains a top priority. Over the past three years, with support from the Federal Government and stakeholders, we have made significant investments in prevention as part of our agency’s reforms.”
Detailing the weeklong activities planned, Marwa outlined a series of events including religious services, a Walk Against Drugs, essay competitions, NGO activities, and outreach programs for out-of-school youths across the Federal Capital Territory. The culmination will be the WDD commemoration event at the State House Conference Centre on June 26, where stakeholders will unveil new global policies to tackle illicit drug challenges.
Marwa expressed gratitude to the federal and state governments, UNODC, international partners like the US-DEA, INL, UK Border Force, NCA, and local stakeholders including the Nigerian Armed Forces, Customs, Police, Immigration, NAFDAC, NFIU, NACA, FRSC, Civil Defence, and the media for their support.
UNODC Country Deputy Representative, Mr. Danilo Campisi, urged Nigerian governments and stakeholders to invest heavily in preventive measures against drug use. He highlighted projections indicating a potential 40% increase in drug use among African youth by 2030, emphasizing the urgency for evidence-based prevention and treatment strategies.
Campisi noted UNODC’s collaboration with the Nigerian government on initiatives like UNPLUGGED, a successful school-based drug prevention program implemented in 110 Unity Schools and several states, including Kebbi, Bayelsa, and recently, Kaduna.
For further information, please contact:
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media and Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters, Abuja
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
