By Giwa SHILE
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Oyo State on Thursday said it had secured the conviction of more than 30 illegal drug dealers this year.
The Public Relations Officer of the agency in the state, Mrs Mutiyat Okuwobi, said this in Ibadan.
She said the agency had successfully crippled the activities of drug dealers by constantly arresting and prosecuting them in the court of law.
“I am happy to state that we have successfully prosecuted 30 illegal drug dealers and secured the conviction for various jail terms this year.
“ In the month of November alone, we seized over 826 kg of Indian hemp while about six tons were impounded this year.
“Besides, there are a number of drug-related cases at various levels of conclusion still on at Federal High Court Ibadan against men and women and even teenagers.
“Sadly, if you visit any of our prisons across Oyo State today, you will find out that about 70 percent of the inmates there are illegal drug dealers,” Okuwobi said.
She, however, expressed worry that many were still engaging in the illicit business inspite of the high level of sensitisation and prosecution of offenders.
“For instance, we have many situations where after our operatives had destroyed marijuana joints, new sites are established by peddlers within a twinkle of an eye,” she said.
The NDLEA spokesperson advised dealers to channel their energy into legal ventures which would be beneficial to them and the society.
