In continuation of an earlier investigative report on open sale and high abuse of narcotics in Abuja, Ripples Nigeria digs further to ascertain those behind the sale, consumption, and effects of narcotics in Nigeria’s political capital.
The report had revealed how the popular Banex Junction in Wuse II is notorious for sale of hard and illicit drugs, ranging from cocaine to Marijuana. The drug peddlers, it was reported, ply their trade under the watchful eyes of security agents who are always within the vicinity.
It was also noted in the report that at the gas station, where the peddlers hang around and wait for their old and new customers, a police van is stationed there 24/7.
Besides that, there are about four commercial banks within the area and each one has at least two police officers attached to them. But they look the other way whenever the peddlers hobnob with customers.
The National Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed the discoveries made in the story, but lamented that it is handicapped in fighting the growing menace of drug sale and consumption in Abuja.
Spokesman of the agency in Abuja, Mr Peter Adegbe, in a chat with Ripples Nigeria, stated that his agency carries out daily raid on the particular spot in Wuse II and arrests are made frequently.
He however lamented that the peddlers return to business two hours after their raid, adding that an unnamed kingpin has been arrested by the agency and will soon be arraigned in court for prosecution.
“We have made several arrests and we do that on a daily basis. On daily basis, we raid the place. The problem is that, the people know when we come and the moment we raid the place, we pick the sellers. In an hour or two, new sellers will return there. The only way to stop it is to mount a permanent checkpoint there,” he said.
Comments