The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the capture of two individuals, a blind grandfather, and a leper, on drug-related charges. Aliyu Adebiyi, the blind grandfather, was found with 234 kilograms of hashish in Sokoto village and stated a drug supplier had stored the drugs in his home for a fee of ₦6,000 per month. The second suspect, Haruna Abdullahi, was arrested in Garko city and 2.2 kilograms of cannabis, as well as various amounts of Diazepam and Exol were found on him. Both suspects are being questioned by NDLEA officers and will be charged with drug possession and trafficking, which carry harsh penalties under Nigerian law. These arrests highlight the need for increased efforts to combat drug-related crimes and for inclusive and compassionate approaches to addressing drug offenses, as people with disabilities and illnesses may be particularly vulnerable to being exploited by drug traffickers. NDLEA and other relevant organizations plan to continue their efforts to combat drug-related crime in Nigeria and raise public education and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking.
It’s important to note that individuals with disabilities or illnesses may be at a higher risk of being exploited by drug traffickers. This is why it’s crucial for law enforcement agencies to not only focus on enforcing drug laws, but also on providing support and resources for those who may be particularly vulnerable to drug abuse and trafficking. It’s also important for NDLEA and other relevant organizations to continue to raise public education and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse and trafficking in order to prevent individuals from falling victim to these crimes. Furthermore, It’s important to stress that despite the severity of drug possession and trafficking penalties under Nigerian law, it’s also important to consider rehabilitation and other non-punitive measures to address these issues.
