THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that the Federal Government is working to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, describing the provision as a loophole that weakens the fight against drug-related crimes.
NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, made this known on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, monitored by News Point Nigeria, where he said the judiciary has remained a strong partner in the agency’s prosecution of drug offenders, with the NDLEA recording a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent.
Babafemi, however, identified the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers as a major challenge, insisting that its removal would serve as a stronger deterrent against drug offences.
“There is a small nag there and that is the issue of the option of fine, and we are very grateful that the Federal Government through the office of Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is addressing that.
“I think there is an executive bill which will soon get to the national assembly to amend the law so that there will be no that option of fine.
“Because they know that there is a loophole for an option of fine, the judge gives an option of fine, then you find them paying there whether 5 million, 10 million, 20 million.
“But that I believe is being addressed at the moment and when that law is passed then there will be nothing like that, you will have probably a minimum of 15 then 25 years in prison so that you know that when you are arrested you are going to jail and then you lose everything,” Babafemi said.
He explained that the proposed amendment, being driven through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would completely remove the fine option and replace it with mandatory prison sentences ranging from 15 to 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.
According to him, the reform is aimed at ensuring offenders serve jail terms rather than simply paying fines and returning to the illicit drug trade.
Babafemi described the global drug problem as a hydra-headed monster, but maintained that the NDLEA has remained relentless in its operations, recording significant breakthroughs in its fight against drug trafficking.
He further said the agency’s sustained crackdown has reduced the availability of illicit drugs, leading to scarcity and a sharp rise in street prices.
According to him, even drug users have acknowledged the impact of NDLEA operations.
“If you follow some of the conversations online, you will hear young people complaining, ‘Why are you people always seizing these things? Now because of what you are doing, a gram of cana has moved from N5,000 to N35,000.’”
Babafemi also revealed that recent operations have uncovered billions of naira hidden in the bank accounts of suspected drug traffickers, adding that the funds have been frozen while efforts continue to ensure their forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He said Nigeria has become an increasingly hostile environment for drug traffickers, forcing many of them to flee the country to avoid arrest.
However, he noted that the agency continues to track them through international collaboration with counterpart agencies in countries where they are hiding, with the aim of ensuring they are eventually arrested and brought to justice.