NDLEA Nabs 108 Marijuana Farmers In Edo State
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Edo state has arrested about 108 persons over alleged Indian hemp cultivation and trafficking, Nigerian Tribune informs.
Edo State Commander of the NDLEA, Mr Buba Wakawa, told NAN on Wednesday that about 2,024.03 kilogrammes of Marijuana was recovered from the suspects, while 20 acres of farmland were destroyed along with eight grammes of cocaine and 19.2 grammes of heroin.
Wakawa said 11 suspects were arrested with 284.5 kilogrammes of marijuana in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area and Obolo Iuleha in Owan West Local Government Area in July.
The remaining 97 suspects (70 males and 27 females), were apprehended with 1,939.53 kilogrammes of the plant from July.
According to the NDLEA boss, 18 out of the 20 acres of plantations were found in Toba Forest in Usen, Ovia South West Local Government Area in July.
READ ALSO: Legalise Weed Now, Seun Kuti Urges African Governments
The 2 acres left were found between April and July.
He said 2.1 kilogrammes of other psychotropic drugs were found with five persons already convicted and another 10 awaiting sentence hearings.
He added that 54 persons were sent for rehabilitation under the Drug Demand and Reduction programme before being allowed back into the society.
In mid-June, NDLEA officials in Oyo state discovered a 24 hectares of Indian hemp plantation in the state
The plantation was destroyed following a six-hour joint operation with the Nigeria police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Department of State Services and the state’s Ministries of Natural Resources and Forest Reserve.
The plantation was found at Seriki Centre of the Gambari forest reserve and destroyed.
Regarded as an illicit drug in many countries, marijuana is outlawed by many governments including that of Nigeria.
The drug is used by celebrities and high ranking members of the society mostly for recreation. It is called Indian hemp, weed, skonk (sk), parole, knockout by many Nigerians.
Source: Legit.ng
