Marwa Advocates Assets Confiscation In Drug War
The Chairman/Chief Executive of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa (rtd), has urged counterpart agencies in Africa to target assets of drug cartels to weaken their networks.
He gave the charge, Tuesday, while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the virtual extraordinary session for Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies.
He said: “The disruption of traditional criminal trafficking routes means that law enforcement personnel must be familiar with new technologies, techniques and strategies employed by organised 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 organised 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.”
Marwa said Nigeria has remained dynamic in its counter narcotic operations, in line with global challenges posed by COVID-19 and desire by drug cartels to explore new markets and routes in furtherance of their criminal activities.
He added: “We are taking steps to tackle online distribution of narcotic drugs, which has become prevalent among organised drug traffickers, particularly since the global shut down last year. In the last eight months, Nigeria has made over 8,634 arrests with 1,630 convictions and seized over two million kilograms of drugs with over N100 billion in cash.”
