The Edo State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA has secured the conviction of eleven suspected drug barons and cannabis cultivators in the state.
The suspects were sentenced to 79 years with hard labour by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin-City.
Mitchell Ofoyeju, the State Commander of the agency in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, in Benin City said the suspects were sentenced by Justice B. O. Quadiri and Justice Prof. C. O. Obiozor in the month of October.
Ofoyeju said nine of the convicts were males while two were females.”10 of the convicts were given an option of N6.250 million fine, except one Lucky Aligbe,
He gave the names of the convicts to include Okpiaesi Abraham, Atari Isreal, Emmanuel Nwosu, Samuel Samson, Daniel Peter, Margaret Amuludu, Abel Edah, Bella Fedrick, Lucky Aligbe, Benson Uponi and Alaba Monday,an alleged wanted drug baron.
He said Alaba Monday the allegedly wanted drug baron, who was caught with 115 kilograms of cannabis was sentenced to 15- years jail terms with a fine of N3 million.
The NDLEA Commander added that Lucky Aligbe, was convicted to 25 years in prison over unlawful possession of drugs, including cannabis, tramadol, swinol, and diazepam.
He added that the court, noted that the quantity and types of drugs and the convict’s previous conviction record warranted a severe sentence, especially as the need to deter similar future offences remains paramount.
Ofoyeju also explained that a suspect by the name Bella Fredrick was sentenced to two years in prison or an option of N5 million for unlawful possession of 29 grams of methamphetamine.
He opined that the conviction of Bella Fredrick highlights the ongoing battle against synthetic drugs, which have become increasingly prevalent in communities.
He further disclosed that a cannabis cultivator, Abel Edah, who was charged with unlawful possession of 5 kilograms and cultivation of a cannabis farm spanning 0.678 hectares, was sentenced to two-years in jail or a N5 million fine for each of the count.
Also convicted are Samuel Samson and Daniel Peter, who were sentenced for unlawful possessions and cultivation of cannabis sativa. Each of the suspects was sentenced to two years or an option of N5 million.
Others are Emmanuel Nwosu, 15 years for possessing 276 grams of cannabis with an option of N750,000 fine and Atari Israel for two years for unlawful possession and transportation of 9 kilograms of cannabis with an option of N2.5 million fine.
Ofoyeju said the court authorised the forfeiture of Atari Israel’s navy-blue Audi station waggon, linking it directly to his illegal activities.
He attributed the conviction to the commitment of the Agency to a drug-free society, noting that it is a clear message to offenders that the rule of law will prevail in the fight against narcotics.
“Drug offenses are criminal, and it is only apt that the punishment is commensurate with the adverse dangers inherent in drug trafficking”, he said.
He, however, urged community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious drug activities in their neighbourhoods as part of a collaborative effort to combat substance abuse and trafficking effectively.
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