Posted by By ADESINA AIYEKOTI on
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured conviction of a total of 642 persons in Nigeria between January and early September this year.
• As NDLEA convicts 642
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured conviction of a total of 642 persons in Nigeria between January and early September this year.
Besides, according to the Daily Sun investigation, tougher penalty is awaiting hard drug pushers in the country, as the agency is awaiting the consent of President Umaru Yar'Adua to its proposed amendment to the NDLEA Bill.
The new bill, which had been read and passed by the National Assembly, now, provides a minimum of three years imprisonment without an option of fine on anyone caught with had drug.
Captioned: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act (Amendment) Bill 2005," the bill provides that anyone arrested with either cocaine, LSD heroin or any similar drug, shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not less than three years and not exceeding 10 years without an option of fine.
It also provides that where the offence committed is related to cannabis sativa, psychotropic substance or any other similar drug, the offender shall be liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term of not less than 18 months imprisonment and not exceeding five years without an option of fine.
The NDLEA Director, Prosecution and Legal Services, Mr. Femi Oloruntoba also confirmed to Daily Sun in a telephone interview that there was a proposal to amend the bill.
He also assured of the determination of the officials of the agency, to curtail the activities of those engaged in drug trafficking nation wide.
Meanwhile, out of the 642 people convicted for the offence, 167 were sentenced to various imprisonments in Lagos.
Among those sentenced to jail this year were a Nigerian actress, Akinwande Taiwo Hassan a.k.a Wunmi, Onucha Tochukwu, Oguntade Margaret Olusike, Abiodun Oyedele, Mazi Ikechukwu Chidima, Taofik Okuleye, Dosu-Ekunrin Amudat, Ibenema Peter Obioha, Adesuwa Eregie and Obisesan Ayo Babatunde.
Others are, Okpala Maxwell Chigozie, Nwokenba Patrick, Okonkwo Chukwu Emeka, Ejiabor Augustine Obi, Sanusi Taofeek, Odeseye Atinuke, Akinyemi Lenity Osas and Ogumba Fidelis.