NDLEA to drug dealers: Change your trade or leave Taraba State

The Taraba State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has warned drug dealers to steer clear of the state in their own interest or be prepared to face the full wrath of the law.
The state Commander of the NDLEA, Isiaku Kwajafa, handed down the warning during the end of year appraisal of the activities of the Command for 2015 in Jalingo, the state capital.
The directive was sequel to the inherent destructive effects associated with illicit drug use, some of which are unconventional by the youths.
The Command is also to intensify awareness campaigns and put in place sustainable drug control measures to tackle the involvement of youths in hard drug consumption across the state in the new year.
Kwajafa reiterated the importance of the enlightenment campaigns.
According to him, this will undoubtedly reduce the demand for hard drugs by the youths, thereby reducing the crime rate in the state.
In achieving this, the Command is to collaborate with the media, government agencies other organs of socialization to effectively reach out to schools, rural areas and other places where people are most likely ignorant of the consequences of illicit drug use and the drastic penalties accompanying drug offences.
Kwajafa described those behind the drug trade as wicked and without conscience.
He said they care less about the damage which their trade has done to the society, economy and the security of lives and properties across the state by hiding under the quest for wealth to inflict pains on their fellow human beings.
He vowed that the Command will not fold its arms and watch the future of our youths destroyed by the nefarious activities of these dare devils.
“We will arrest you, prosecute and seize your ill gotten wealth,” the Commander vowed.
The complimentary effort of sister agencies in the state, which was identified to have assisted the Command in the discharge of its mandate was appreciated.
Furthermore, the assistance of the Taraba State Government in the provision of operational vehicles to the Command was as well applauded, while further appeal was made for the fulfillment of its earlier promise of providing a befitting office accommodation for the Command.
Kwajafa highlighted the activities of the Command in 2015 to include a total seizure of 1167.977kg of hard drugs.
The breakdown of this shows that cannabis sativa stands at 280.651Kg, while psychotropic substances totaled 887.326kg.
A total of 211 men and 10 women were investigated for suspected drug related cases, out of which 27 persons were convicted, with other cases pending at the Federal High Court, Jalingo.
The Drug Demand Reduction Unit of the Command counseled several drugs users, rehabilitated and reunited 37 addicts, who ignorantly strayed into drug use.
They had since been reunited with their families.
The display of professional commitment, dedication to duty and loyalty of the officers of the Command also received commendation at the briefing.