The Federal Government is seeking to abolish the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug crimes.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the proposed legal reform would ensure that convicted traffickers serve lengthy prison terms instead of paying fines and returning to the illegal drug trade.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, June 29, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the agency has continued to enjoy strong support from the judiciary, with a conviction rate of almost 90 per cent in drug-related cases.
He, however, described the option of fines as a major weakness in the existing law.
“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.
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According to him, the amendment, being processed through the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would introduce mandatory jail terms of between 15 and 25 years for convicted drug traffickers.
Babafemi said the NDLEA has maintained relentless pressure on drug trafficking networks despite describing the global drug trade as a complex and evolving challenge.
He added that the agency’s sustained operations have significantly reduced the supply of illicit drugs, leading to shortages and sharp increases in street prices.
According to him, even drug users have noticed the impact.
“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 said.
He also revealed that recent investigations uncovered bank accounts containing billions of naira linked to suspected drug traffickers.
The accounts, he said, have been frozen while the agency pursues legal processes to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government.
Babafemi further stated that Nigeria’s intensified anti-drug campaign has made the country increasingly difficult for traffickers to operate in, forcing many of them to relocate abroad.
He said the NDLEA continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies in other countries to monitor, track and apprehend fleeing suspects.