Pubdate: Tue, 23 Oct 2007
Source: Daily Sun (Nigeria)
Copyright: 2007 The Sun Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.sunnewsonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3940
Author: Juliana Francis

NDLEA GOES TOUGH ON DRUG TRAFFICKERS

Plans Denying Them Nigerian Passports

Tougher times seem to be ahead of drug traffickers as  the National
Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA),  Chairman, Alhaji Ahmadu Glade
yesterday declared that  the Federal Government would no longer issue
international passport for any Nigerian arrested for  drug trafficking
offences.

Glade made the declaration at his Lagos office during  an official
visit by the British Government Foreign  Office Minister of State for
Immigration, Migration,  Drugs and Serious Crime, Dr Kim Howells to
the agency.

Glade's assurance was in response to the revelation by  Howells that
in Britain, serious drug trafficking  offenders are never given option
of fine as in Nigeria.  According to Howells, offenders are sent to
jail, while  their properties, worth millions of dollars are often
confiscated.

The penalty, he said was based on findings that most  wealthy drug
traffickers easily pay fines and later go  back to the crime.

Glade who said he was pleased by the visit from the  British official,
added that it was a visit that  underscored the importance the British
government  attached to the fight against narcotic drugs in
particular and organized crimes in general.

His words: "Though difficult times, the High  Commissioner has stood
on our side to ensure that our  common enemies, the drug barons and
godfathers of  organized crime are not allowed the reign."

The NDLEA boss said he was convinced that illicit drug  trafficking
and its attendant consequences such as  serious organized crimes,
violence and money laundering  undermine national security, societal
growth and  development.

Howells said the activities of drug trafficker in West  African
countries are very high and of serious concern  because the health
implication is dangerous for youths.

While applauding the NDLEA in the prolonged and  continual fight
against drug traffickers, Howells noted  that what usually undermines
the good fight is the  attitude of corrupt officials who are supposed
to be  waging war against traffickers.

"No matter where the corruption is, we need to root it  out! Whether
in Nigeria or Britain. If we don't do it,  the drug cartel will always
be on the prowl, looking  for a weakness to exploit," said Howells.

Listing the agency's achievements since January to  September 2007,
Glade said the agency has successfully  arrested 241 suspects and
intercepted 431 kilogrammes  of narcotic drugs at the various airports
in the  country.

Cocaine seizures, which he said were the highest with  253.508
kilogrammes, was followed by heroin 90.982  kilogrammes and cannabis
86.614 kilogrammes.
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MAP posted-by: Derek