The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has revealed that it arrested about 26,458 suspects, 34 of whom were drug barons, and secured the conviction of 3,733 drug peddlers within the last two years. The anti-narcotics agency also said it counselled and rehabilitated 19,401 drug abuse victims within the 24 months.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, the NDLEA Buba Marwa made the revelation at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, in commemoration of his second year anniversary as the head of the anti-narcotics agency.

Marwa said the 34 barons in their net were already facing the music in court, they have secured orders for the temporary forfeiture of their assets and with their prosecution being topnotch, those barons can look forward to a long term in prison and final forfeiture of their wealth and assets.

Marwa said they arrested 26,458 drug traffickers, among them, 34 barons, in 24 months and they successfully prosecuted 3,733 offenders who were convicted and handed various jail terms in court. Of the conviction figure, 2,346 were recorded in 2022 alone, which is the highest in the history of the agency and almost doubled the highest ever recorded in the 33 years of the NDLEA.

This is not happenstance but a result of professionalism, determination, commitment and hard work of our officers, men and women.

He further noted that the NDLEA had taken down three major drug cartels, one of which had built extensive networks across the world, while at least six of their kingpins were in custody, within the first two weeks of January, 2023.

He warned that unrepentant drug barons and cartels would face tougher times in 2023, if they failed to back out of the illicit drug business.