Drug War: Assets Confiscation Will Weaken Cartels – Marwa

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has charged Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies in Africa to consider targetting the assets of drug cartels as a veritable tool that will weaken criminal narco networks.

Gatekeepers News reports that Marwa gave the charge while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the virtual extraordinary session for Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.

Director, Media & Advocacy of the NDLEA, Femi Babafemi who disclosed this via a statement said the event was orgnised to share experiences and best practices in efforts to address and counter the world drug problem.

Marwa said, “the disruption of the traditional criminal trafficking routes means that law enforcement personnel must be familiar with new technologies, techniques and strategies employed by organized criminal groups and traffickers.

“In order to proactively deal with these new challenges, there is, therefore, an urgent need to strengthen international cooperation in identifying and managing evolving challenges in drug trafficking. We must continue to weaken criminal drug networks through effective asset tracing and confiscation.

“We should, therefore, deepen international cooperation to address the increasing links between transnational organized crime, corruption, illicit financial flows, trafficking in drugs and related crimes. Let us not spare any effort in eliminating barriers to effective collaboration as we demonstrate commitment to our shared responsibilities.”

While stating that Nigeria has remained dynamic in her counter-narcotic operations in line with the global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the desire by drug trafficking cartels to explore new markets and routes in furtherance of their criminal activities, he assured that steps are being taken.

“We are taking steps to tackle the online distribution of narcotic drugs, which has become prevalent among organised drug trafficking criminal groups, particularly since the global shut down last year. In the last eight months, Nigeria has made over 8,634 arrests with 1,630 convictions. Over two million kilograms of drugs seized with over N100billion in cash and seized drugs,” Marwa added.

He listed other proactive steps taken by Nigeria to address and counter the various aspects of the drug problem.

“We have developed the 4th edition of our National Drug Control Master Plan (NDCMP) 2021-2025, with four strategic pillars namely: Supply reduction, Demand reduction, Access to Controlled Medicines for medical purposes, Governance, and Coordination.

“As part of our control programs, the country recently launched the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) to further amplify the national drive on both drug supply and drug demand reduction. As a result, we are collaborating with all levels of government, civil-society groups, Non-governmental Organizations, schools and relevant institutions”, he added.

Marwa emphasised the importance of strengthening international cooperation in addressing drug trafficking and other forms of transnational organized crimes, especially on the African continent.