Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd) said the decision of the anti-narcotics body to go after the assets of drug barons and traffickers is a grand part of ongoing offensive action against illicit drugs and cartels.
Marwa stated this at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday to kick off a week-long activities to celebrate the 2024 International Day Against Drugs and Illicit Trafficking, in conjunction with other stakeholders like the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, (UNODC).
Marwa, who was represented by the agency's secretary, Mr. Shadrach Haruna, said the offensive action against drug cartels and traffickers, launched in January 2021 has continued to yield desired results with the arrests and prosecutions of several barons till date.
"As you are all aware, two serial traffickers got life imprisonment in court in April. Our prosecution efforts have continued to achieve successes in courts, given the painstaking investigations and diligence in the prosecution of cases. Our water-tight case preparations are unassailable.
"This has been further strengthened with our forfeiture regime with the passage of Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA 2022).
"Apart from conviction, the assets of the convicts used as instrumentality of the crime or the proceeds derived from the crime would be forfeited to the Federal Government.
"Indeed, a civil action 'in rem' could be maintained against assets reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime in which case the burden of proving the licit origin of the asset would be on the defendant who claims ownership of the asset.
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"This diligent and painstaking preparation of investigations and prosecutions explains the success of the high conviction rate," Marwa said.
Speaking on the world drug day, observed on June 26 every year, the anti-narcotic agency's boss described is as "an important day for the global community, and an occasion during which current efforts against illicit drug problems are given policy direction for the next 12 months."
Also speaking, the UNODC Deputy Country Representative, Danilo Campisi said, "The global drug problem presents a multifaceted challenge that touches the lives of millions worldwide. From individuals struggling with substance use disorders to communities grappling with the consequences of drug trafficking and organised crime, the impact of drugs is far-reaching and complex.
"Central to addressing this challenge is the imperative to adopt a scientific evidence-based approach that prioritises prevention and treatment."
The International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, is marked on June 26, every year to strengthen action and cooperation in achieving a world free of drug abuse.
This year's campaign recognises that effective drug policies must be rooted in science, research, full respect for human rights, compassion, and a deep understanding of the social, economic, and health implications of drug use.
