NDLEA vows to prosecute unrepentant cannabis dealers

By OKOSUN OKHUELEIGBE

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has promised to diligently prosecute an unrepentant cannabis dealer, Emmanuel Oko Uwa based at Afikpo, Ebonyi State.

Head, Public Affairs of the agency, Ofoyeju Mitchell said in Lagos on Wednesday that the Agency’s data bank is inundated with relevant information on the accused person.

He explained that the accused had been arrested on several occasions between 2012 and 2015 with two pending cases at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki.

The Agency stated that it would not be deterred by the antics of suspected drug traffickers but would rather remain committed in prosecuting its cases to a successful end.

NDLEA Commander in Ebonyi State, Mr. Ralph Igwenagu said the allegation of torture by the accused person was “false and diversionary.

“The accused who claim to be a palm oil merchant is a notorious cannabis dealer. He has two pending cases at the Federal High Court, Abakaliki. He was first arrested in 2008 but was counseled and released for possession of drug.

“While he was still under surveillance, his house was searched on 15th January 2010 where 1.7kgs of cannabis was found and he was charged to court. In 2013, he was re-arrested with 500 grammes of cannabis and charged to court again.

“The last arrest was in March 2015 when he was found with 700 grammes of cannabis. His claim of torture is therefore diversionary,” Ralph stated.

It was leant that Emmanuel Oko Uwa in his statement told narcotic investigators that he was born 39 years ago. “I am from Agboride Amaizu in Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade said that all legal means to put an end to the accused criminal activities will be explored. “We are not new to the antics of drug traffickers. The Agency will therefore explore legal means in bringing his criminal activities to an end.