By Salim Yunusa
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has called on its counterparts in Africa to consider targetting assets of drug cartels as a veritable tool that will weaken criminal narcotic networks.
A statement issued on Tuesday by the agency’s Director (Media and Advocacy), Femi Babafemi, indicated that the Chairman/Chief Executive of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa (retd.), made the call while delivering Nigeria’s position at the virtual extraordinary session for Heads of NDLEAs to share experiences and best practices in efforts to address and counter the world drug problem.
Marwa said, “The disruption of the traditional criminal trafficking routes means that law enforcement personnel must be familiar with new technologies, techniques and strategies employed by organised criminal groups and traffickers.
“We must continue to weaken criminal drug networks through effective asset tracing and confiscation. We should, therefore, deepen international cooperation to address the increasing links between transnational organised crime, corruption, illicit financial flows, trafficking in drugs and related crimes.
“Let us not spare any effort in eliminating barriers to effective collaboration as we demonstrate commitment to our shared responsibilities.”
Marwa added, “We are taking steps to tackle the online distribution of narcotics, which has become prevalent among organised drug trafficking criminal groups, particularly since the global shutdown last year. In the last eight months, Nigeria has made over 8,634 arrests with 1,630 convictions.
“Over two million kilograms of drugs seized with over N100billion in cash and seized drugs.
