Drug traffickers in Enugu will face tougher enforcement, asset confiscation and intensified community surveillance as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) unveils a more aggressive strategy to combat drug-related crimes.
ENUGU, Nigeria — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has launched a more aggressive campaign against drug trafficking and substance abuse in Enugu State, with a renewed focus on dismantling criminal networks through asset recovery and intensified enforcement.
The new Commander of the NDLEA in Enugu State, Mr. Paul Audu, announced the strategy during his maiden press briefing on Wednesday, declaring an “all-out war” against drug-related crimes.
Audu said the command would go beyond arrests and prosecutions by aggressively enforcing the Proceeds of Crime Recovery and Management Act to confiscate assets acquired through illicit drug trafficking.
According to him, stripping traffickers of their illegally acquired wealth would weaken their operations and serve as a strong deterrent to criminal activities.
“Drug traffickers derive their strength from wealth accumulated through illegal activities. Depriving them of such assets would serve as a strong deterrent,” he said.
The commander noted that his experience in tracing and recovering proceeds of crime would be deployed to dismantle the financial networks sustaining drug trafficking syndicates across the state.
“I have come to fight drugs, and there will be no room for compromise. If anyone has information about any of my officers engaging in shady deals, report directly to me, and appropriate action will be taken,” Audu added.
He also announced plans to strengthen the agency’s War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign by taking anti-drug sensitisation programmes to communities across Enugu State.
According to him, the initiative will focus on educating young people and other vulnerable groups about the dangers and consequences of substance abuse.
Audu warned individuals involved in drug trafficking and other illicit drug-related activities to abandon the trade or face arrest, prosecution and forfeiture of their assets.
Describing drug abuse as a serious threat to national development, public safety and the future of Nigerian youths, he called for greater collaboration between the agency, the media and members of the public.
He said journalists have a critical role to play in raising awareness and encouraging citizens to provide credible intelligence that would aid the fight against illicit drugs.
The NDLEA commander also warned patent medicine vendors against stocking or selling controlled substances, stressing that such practices are illegal.
He explained that even licensed pharmacies are only permitted to dispense controlled medications upon presentation of valid medical prescriptions.
Reaffirming the agency’s zero-tolerance policy on corruption, Audu warned that any NDLEA officer found collaborating with drug traffickers or engaging in unethical conduct would face disciplinary action.
He further disclosed that consultations had commenced with traditional rulers, local government authorities and community leaders to strengthen grassroots sensitisation and intelligence gathering across the state.
Audu assured residents that the NDLEA Enugu Command, with the support of the agency’s leadership and the Federal Government, remains fully committed to combating drug trafficking, reducing substance abuse and restoring public confidence in the state’s anti-drug campaign.
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